The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is seeking feedback from stakeholders on a proposed policy that would ban the use of vape open pods and e-liquids to protect consumers from health and safety risks.

In a social media post, the DTI invited the public to submit comments on a draft department administrative order (DAO) imposing a blanket ban on open pods and e-liquids.

Under the draft DAO, the agency plans to prohibit the use, manufacture, importation, and distribution of these vape products.

Pursuant to Republic Act (RA) No. 11900, or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, the policy seeks to restrict vape open pods and e-liquids in the country to “safeguard people from potential abuse of harmful substances.”

Open pods are a type of vapor product cartridge that allows users to manually refill the device with e-liquids, unlike pre-filled or closed systems.

The DTI said this setup gives users the opportunity to use uncertified e-liquids, which pose significant health risks such as accidental or intentional poisoning and dermal exposure.

It warned that e-liquids could be laced with or repurposed to contain illegal and harmful substances, citing the recent case of “Tuklaw” cigarettes, in which vape products were found to contain synthetic cannabinoid components.

Citing a World Health Organization (WHO) study, the DTI said prohibiting the sale of open pods is recommended due to the product’s modifiable features and high potential for abuse.

Based on the draft DAO, the DTI will immediately stop processing applications and renewals for Philippine Standard (PS) licenses covering vape open pods and e-liquids.

A PS license is issued by the DTI to ensure that products comply with national quality and safety standards before being sold in the local market.

The DTI, through the Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products, their Devices, and Novel Tobacco Products (OSMV), will accept comments on the draft policy until Feb. 4.

Last month, the DTI also invited stakeholders to submit feedback on a separate draft DAO that would introduce a mandatory permit for the advertising and sales promotion of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products, their devices, and novel tobacco products.

Under the proposed measure, no advertisement or promotional material for vape products may be released without first securing an advertisement permit (AP) or a sales promotion permit (SPP) from the OSMV.

An SPP is issued for campaign materials intended to boost sales and patronage, including promotions that offer prizes or other incentives, while an AP is required for any form of mass media used to communicate information about a product’s features or quality.