Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said Wednesday the agency BIR caught 506 illicit vape retailers/resellers nationwide as of Oct. 31, 2024.
The BIR said it conducted simultaneous and nationwide raids against illicit vape retailers and resellers on Oct. 16, 2024.
Lumagui also ordered weekly raids by the agency’s revenue regions and revenue districts.
The increase of closed stores to 506 was a result of the weekly raids of the BIR, he said.
“As of the end of October 2024, the BIR has caught 506 illicit vape retailers/resellers during our raids. After our nationwide raid last October 16, there was a substantial increase of illicit vape stores. The BIR will not stop raiding illicit vape retailers/resellers until the vape industry complies with our tax laws and regulations. Expect regular raids,” Lumagui said.
The BIR estimates a tax liability, inclusive of penalties, of P181,695,490.14 as a result of the continuous raids. Non-payment of excise taxes, lack of internal revenue stamps and lack of BIR registration of the vape products are the common violations of illicit vape retailers/resellers.
The BIR said it would release regular updates on its nationwide crackdown against illicit vape retailers/resellers, including reports on the total number of illicit vape stores and their total tax liability.