The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued preliminary orders and preventive measures to suspend the trade of several vape brands, including Shft Dr Freeze, Aerogin & Don Bars, Chillax, Black Elite, and Lost Mary, pending a formal investigation.
The DTI also suspended the Philippine Standard licenses of these brands.
The said brands face formal charges for violating Section 4(d) of Republic Act (RA) No. 11900, also known as the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.
Suspension takes effect immediately and will remain in place until the formal charges are resolved.
The move is in line with Section 11 of Executive Order (EO) No. 913 (1983), which strengthens the DTI secretary’s rule-making and adjudicatory powers.
Violation of the suspension may force the affected brands to face penalties ranging from P2 million for the first offense to P5 million and cancellation of licenses for the third offense.
The DTI Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products, their Devices, and Novel Tobacco Products (OSMV) recently released a policy advisory on the elements of offenses under RA No. 11900, to ensure consistent enforcement and predictable resolutions for formal charges.
The DTI encourages consumers to report any retailers, distributors, or manufacturers who are violating the law.
