The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported it has confiscated around P26.3 million worth of vape products from retailers operating within 100 meters of schools, in violation of the law. The intensified crackdown aims to curb youth access to vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products.
A total of 49,981 vape units were seized from January 2024 to June 2025, where 22 notices of violation (NOV) were issued to non-compliant establishments.
The said operation was conducted in compliance with Republic Act No. 11900, or the Vape Law, which strictly prohibits the sale, promotion, advertisement, and demonstration of vape products within 100 meters of schools and other places frequented by minors.
First-time violators face a fine of PHP10,000 or imprisonment of up to 30 days, at the discretion of the court. Repeat offenses carry both penalties and the revocation of business permits. For business entities, the owner, president, or manager will be held liable.
Minors caught selling, buying, or using vape products will be referred to intervention programs handled by the Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
To ensure swift action against illegal vape sales, the Department is actively coordinating with the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
Consumers are urged to report violators to the DTI-Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products, their Devices, and Novel Tobacco Products (OSMV) via its Citizen and Stakeholder Communications (CSC) System. Reports may be emailed to OSMV_Comms@dti.gov.ph and OSMV@dti.gov.ph.
