RELX International, an electronic cigarettes company, said flavored vape products will no longer be available in its outlets nationwide to support and comply with the government’s mandate on policies on e-cigarette as of May 25, 2022.
Under Republic Act No. 11467 and Joint Memorandum Circular No. 003-2020, the government prohibits the manufacture, importation, sale, and distribution of vapor products with flavoring other than plain tobacco or plain menthol in the country.
RA 11467, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on Jan. 22, 2020, increases the excise tax rates on alcohol, heated tobacco, and vape products to generate funds for the government to deliver quality and affordable health care services.
JMC 003-2020, on the other hand, prohibits flavoring of vapor products except for plain tobacco and menthol flavor.
The company said the move reflects its commitment to support important reforms that will benefit the collection of tax revenues while catering to legal-age adult smokers, preventing access of e-cigarette among minors, and ensuring responsible and standard-compliant e-cigarettes in retail points across the country.