The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has confiscated 18,000 non-compliant vape products valued at approximately P5.5 million from both physical and online stores following its heightened enforcement operations for violators of Republic Act No. 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.
In a statement, DTI said it has so far issued notices of violations (NOVs) and show- cause orders (SCOs) to 269 physical stores, mandating them to submit a written explanation within 48 hours from their receipt of SCOs and NOVs.
The DTI’s online monitoring unit has inspected over 66,000 online vape stores as of January 2024.
Out of the monitored firms, close to 61,000 were issued SCOs.
The DTI said it focuses on retailers that fail to ensure no minor is allowed to purchase vape. It has issued NOVs and SCOs to retailers for failing to verify the age of buyers and for selling vape products that are packaged, labeled, presented, or marketed with flavor descriptors that unduly appeal to minors.
The DTI also flagged violators who used cartoons, anime, manga, animated characters, youth influencers, and personalities.
More than 200 formal charges have been filed with the DTI, and administrative fines have been imposed on decided cases.
The DTI anticipates the effectivity of the mandatory certification and registration of vape products by June 5, and enforcement of product standards and product registration by 2025.
