The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has suspended the sale of several vape brands for possible violation of the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, or vape law.
In a statement on Saturday, Sept. 7, the DTI said that affected brands include SHFT Dr. Freeze, Aerogin & Don Bars Chillax, Black Elite, and Lost Mary.
“The trade suspension, effective immediately, is in accordance with Section 11 of Executive Order (EO) No. 913 (1983) and will remain in place pending resolution of the formal charges,” the DTI said.
Additionally, the DTI has suspended their Philippine Standard licenses and may impose penalties of up to P5 million. Repeat offenders may face license cancellation.
In July, the DTI temporarily halted the online sale, distribution, and advertising of vaporized nicotine products due to concerns over the lack of adequate age verification measures and compliance with other legal requirements.
DTI ordered online marketplaces and merchants to submit proof of effective measures to ensure compliance with the vape law. Failure to do so may result in formal charges and penalties.
DTI said the suspension will remain in place until the concerned companies can demonstrate full compliance with age verification and other relevant laws.
The DTI has also instructed its officials to strictly enforce these measures to ensure the legality and validity of all actions related to the online sale of vape products.