The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it ramped up its enforcement of the Vape Law, confiscating P25,874,175 worth of illegal vape products in the first five months of 2024.
This surpassed the DTI’s total illegal vape seizure amounting to P5,453,852 in 2023.
“Nearly halfway through the year, the significant rise in confiscated illegal vapes demonstrates our unwavering commitment to safeguard Filipino consumers, especially our youth. These results showcase our intensified efforts and we will not stop here,” DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual said as he issued a strong warning to potential violators.
“We will continue to pursue these illegal activities, working closely with other agencies and stakeholders. Our aim is nothing less than the complete eradication of the illegal vape trade, fostering a healthier environment for Filipino businesses and consumers,” Pascual said.
The agency said most confiscated vape products violated Republic Act (RA) No. 11900, or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, also known as the Vape Law.
They specifically violated Rule 6, Section 1(j), which strongly prohibits the sale of vape products that are packaged, labeled, presented and marketed with flavor descriptors or cartoon characters that appeal to minors.
Among the confiscated brands were 2,428 units of RELX worth P534,190 and 158 units of Waka by RELX worth P35,440.
The DTI in March 2024 suspended the sale and distribution of the vape brand Flava over repeated violations of RA 11900.
A joint operation with the Philippine National Police in April yielded P24.8 million worth of illegal Flava vapes from an establishment located 20 meters from an elementary school in Parañaque City.
This a clear violation of the law which prohibits the sale of vapes within 100 meters of any areas frequented by minors, the DTI said.
“With the launch of Task Force Kalasag this year, we are intensifying consumer protection efforts nationwide. This crackdown on violations of the Vape Law and fair trade laws and regulations assures the public of the DTI’s commitment to a safe and fair marketplace,” Pascual said.
The DTI said that since the Vape Law implementation, it confiscated a total of 67,010 vape units from various brands, amounting to P31,328,027.
