The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), together with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), confiscated around ₱3.6 million worth of illegal vape products during a joint enforcement operation conducted last March 12.

In a statement on Saturday, March 14, the DTI said that the operation targeted several retailers and distribution hubs in Metro Manila and Calabarzon, with support from the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG). Authorities focused on establishments suspected of selling vape products that do not comply with existing government regulations.

The enforcement activity forms part of the government’s implementation of Republic Act (RA) No. 11900, which sets rules for the manufacture, sale, and marketing of vape products in the country.

Through the joint effort, the DTI and the BIR said they are intensifying their campaign against illegal trade practices, particularly the sale of vape products without proper registration, required health warnings, and internal revenue tax markings, as well as the marketing of products designed to appeal to minors.

During inspections, authorities documented several violations, including the absence of mandatory graphic and text health warnings on product packaging and the lack of required internal revenue fiscal markings or tax stamps.

Some vape products were also found to use flavor descriptions such as fruit or candy that may appeal to minors. In addition, several items failed to comply with Philippine National Standards (PNS), which are meant to ensure product safety, quality, and consistency.

The DTI warned that establishments found violating the law could face serious administrative and criminal penalties.

Violations related to packaging and health warning requirements may result in fines of up to ₱2 million and imprisonment of up to two years for a first offense, increasing to ₱4 million and four years’ imprisonment for a second offense, and up to ₱5 million and six years’ imprisonment for a third offense, along with the revocation of the business license.

Meanwhile, violations involving product communication, online trade, and product standards may carry fines of ₱100,000 for the first offense, ₱200,000 for the second offense, and ₱400,000 or imprisonment of up to three years for the third offense, along with the possible revocation of business permits. Non-compliant entities may also face the recall, ban, or seizure of illegal inventory.

The DTI urged retailers, distributors, and manufacturers to comply with the provisions of RA 11900 and other applicable fair-trade laws to ensure that products sold in the market meet regulatory and safety standards.

The agency also encouraged the public to report suspected violations to the DTI Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products (OSMV) or file complaints through the DTI Consumer Complaints Assistance and Resolution System.