The Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) issued the first batch of Philippine Standard (PS) licenses to heated tobacco manufacturers.
“Effective June 5, 2024, no vape products can enter the country without a product standard [PS] mark or license, or ICC markings,” said DTI Consumer Protection Group Undersecretary Amanda Nograles.
The agency awarded PS licenses to Technocom System Sdn. Bhd. and Shenzhen Adwell Technology Co. Ltd. after a rigorous vetting process under technical regulations mandating product certification for heated tobacco products (HTPs) and vape products. These regulations are governed by Republic Act 11900, or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.
The DTI-BPS website listing certified products shows licenses were granted to Venture Technocom System, the manufacturer of the IQOS ILUMA heated tobacco device, and to Shenzhen Adwell Technology. The licenses are valid for three years and must be renewed six months before expiration.
Venture Technocom System and Shenzhen Adwell Technology are the only factories to obtain PS mark licenses for any product under the Vape Law. PMFTC Inc. and Royal Connections Inc. are listed as authorized importers of the IQOS ILUMA device.
Retailers of vape, heated tobacco, and other novel tobacco products with existing inventory are given six months to sell their stock.
“In January 2025, the DTI will conduct a market sweep of vape products without PS or ICC marks. Sellers have at least six months to dispose of their old stock,” Nograles said.
The BPS previously stated during a public orientation in October 2022 that the certification ensures all products, including devices and systems, undergo thorough analysis to meet quality standards and prevent illicit trade.
The DTI announced that all HTP and vape products require mandatory certification starting June 5, 2024. Distributors and retailers can continue selling non-certified vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products until January 5, 2025.
Afterward, only products with valid PS marks or ICC stickers can be sold. Failure to obtain a license by the deadline authorizes the DTI to issue an immediate recall, ban, or seizure of products from public sale or distribution.
