The joint forces of the Department of Trade and Industry and Bureau of Internal Revenue ordered the closure of two vape stores and confiscated 989 units of non-compliant vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products and novel tobacco products worth P344,520.00 in Manila on June 19, 2023.
DTI-Consumer Protection Group Undersecretary Ruth Castelo, together with DTI-FTEB director Fhillip Sawali, led the inspection of vape products sold or offered for sale by 14 vape stores, while BIR assistant commissioner Jethro Sabariaga led the BIR registration inspection.
Recognizing that business registration requirements and tax obligations are part of the implementation of the Republic Act No. 11900, also known as the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, the BIR has been very active in conducting inspection and pursuit against illegal sellers and traders of vape products.
The DTI said of the 14 monitored vape stores, the FTEB enforcement teams issued notices of violation to seven non-conforming shops and required them to submit a written explanation within 48 hours.
The common violations of vape retail establishments were failure to post the minimum age requirement; lack of point-of-sale signage and sale of vapor products that are appealing to minors such as those with fruit, candy and dessert flavors; and packaging that features cartoon characters.
Two non-compliant vape stores were found selling and promoting vape products within 100 meters from a playground, or entertainment facility frequented by minors. The vape stores immediately stopped their operations at the order of the mall administrator.
Castelo said the DTI would maintain its heightened enforcement operations against violators of RA 11900 and its implementing rules and regulations
“The department has done its part to guide business establishments and enrich their understanding of RA 11900 and its IRR. The violations that we observe today are a blatant disregard of the said reminders and advisories, particularly the law. With this, the Department will continue to conduct intensified enforcement operations to ensure appropriate actions are being taken against violators,” said Castelo.
Castelo said that apart from physical stores, the department is also active in monitoring the compliance of e-commerce platforms.
