More than PHP56 million worth of illegal vape products have been destroyed since 2023, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
For the January-May 2025 period alone, the DTI said PHP 41,256,170.00 worth of illicit vapor products, including 88 illegal vape brands were condemned.
These operations were led by the DTI’s Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products, their Devices, and Novel Tobacco Products (OSMV) in coordination with the Bureau of Customs, Philippine National Police (PNP), and the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
These efforts align directly with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda, which promotes a whole-of-government approach to strengthening law enforcement and consumer protection for a safer, healthier nation.
Beyond physical confiscations, the DTI also exercised its intensified enforcement by taking down 104,823,632 pages, posts, and lists in coordination with major digital platforms.
Additionally, the Department has flagged 628 physical establishments and issued a total of 385 formal charges, show cause orders, and notices of violation. Currently, trading suspensions are imposed on 10 non-compliant brands.
Common offenses among the seized products include the absence of tax stamps and/or Philippine Standard license marks and improper graphic health warnings in violation of Section 4 of RA 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.
Non-compliant products were also found in violation of Section 12 for unduly packaging and marketing that appeal to minors, including fruity flavors, candy brands and cartoon characters.
Violators may face the following penalties:
Section 4 (Packaging and Health Warnings)
- 1st offense: PHP 2,000,000 fine and up to 2 years of imprisonment;
- 2nd offense: PHP 4,000,000 fine and up to 4 years of imprisonment;
- 3rd offense: PHP 5,000,000 fine, up to 6 years of imprisonment, or both and potential license revocation.
Section 12 (Restrictions on Product Communications)
- 1st offense: PHP 100,000 fine;
- 2nd offense: PHP 200,000 fine;
- 3rd offense: PHP 400,000 fine, up to 3 years of imprisonment, or both, and potential license revocation.
Retailers, distributors and manufacturers of vape products are urged to comply with RA11900 and avoid penalties.
The public is encouraged to report any violations of RA11900 to the DTI OSMV Communications Unit via email at OSMV@dti.gov.ph or OSMV_Comms@dti.gov.ph. For consumer complaints related to vape products, individuals may register and file their concerns through the DTI Consumer Care System via email at ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph.
