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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider BIR's crackdown now targets users of illicit vapes

BIR's crackdown now targets users of illicit vapes

Published Jun 3, 2024 05:47 am

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) cautioned individuals using or holding vapes without a tax stamp about the possibility of facing legal consequences. 

BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. said on Monday, June 3, that the regulations requiring tax stamps on vape products are also applicable to all users.

“Wag po tayong bibili ng vape na walang stamp dahil ito po ay ilegal at maaring makasuhan ang makikitang gumagamit o may hawak nito,” Lumagui said in a Facebook post.

[Let us not buy vapes without a stamp because this is illegal, and anyone found using or holding it may be prosecuted.]

On June 1, the BIR implemented new requirements for vape manufacturers and importers to pay excise taxes and comply with internal revenue stamp regulations.

Lumagui said the BIR will begin the seizure of vape products that lack tax stamps this month and will impose legal penalties on individuals found in possession of such items.

“Lahat ng vape na binebenta sa ating bansa ay dapat may internal revenue stamp,” he said. “Wag din po tayong tumulong sa pagtatago ng mga ilegal na vape dahil kayo din ay makakasuhan.”

[All vapes being sold in our country must have an internal revenue stamp. Let us also not help in hiding illegal vapes as you may also be held liable.]

The BIR's Revenue Memorandum Circular 59-2024 stipulates the use of 4th Generation Internal Revenue Stamps on vapor products to combat the proliferation of unregulated vape products in the market.

“Kalaban po ng ating bansa ang ilegal na vape dahil sinisira nito ang isang industriya na nagbibigay ng trabaho sa milyun-milyong Pilipino,” the BIR chief concluded.

[Illegal vapes are the enemy of our country because they destroy an industry that provides jobs for millions of Filipinos.]

Related Tags

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. vape products
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