The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Monday led a simultaneous nationwide destruction of illicit vape products, citing P1.34 billion in unpaid excise taxes and penalties.
The operation, spearheaded from the BIR National Office and conducted across various Revenue Regions, targeted 448,494 units scheduled for destruction over three days.
These seized products were found to be in violation of excise tax laws due to non-payment of taxes, non-affixture of internal revenue stamps and non-registration of vape brands.
BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza noted the government’s strong position against the illegal trade of excisable goods and the public importance of the activity.
“The government does not and will not tolerate the sale of vape and vapor products without the full and proper payment of excise taxes, as evidenced by the excise tax stamps that must be affixed to every vape product sold,” Mendoza said.
Excise taxes on “sin products” like vapes serve the dual purpose of regulating consumption—discouraging use, particularly among youth—and generating revenue to fund public services, especially healthcare programs.
The nationwide destruction follows sustained enforcement operations that have, in total, seized 742,778 units of illicit vape products with an estimated tax liability, inclusive of penalties, of P2.73 billion.
Mendoza also warned that unstamped products are unsafe and dangerous, saying that the absence of stamps means distributors and sellers evaded government oversight and regulatory control.
He said these products could not be simply taxed and released due to concerns over contents and device safety.
The destruction is being carried out under the Tax Code and related BIR issuances, with close coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
The activity was witnessed by representatives from key government agencies, including the Department of Finance (DOF), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Health (DOH).
Mendoza reiterated that enforcement efforts would continue to intensify in the coming year, underscoring the commitment to protect public health, uphold the law and safeguard legitimate government revenues.
The BIR also urged consumers to report the sale of unstamped vape products.
