DTI continues crackdown on non-compliant vape shops

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) yesterday closed two shops selling vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products in Valenzuela City.

The DTI confiscated 205 pieces of vape products worth P63,340 from one vape shop for violating Republic Act 11900 or the vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products regulation act.

The law prohibits the sale of vape products that are packaged, labeled, presented or marketed with flavor descriptors that are proven to unduly appeal particularly to minors.

The DTI Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau inspected vape shops in Valenzuela City.

The inspections were led by DTI - Consumer Protection Group Undersecretary Ruth Castelo along with Valenzuela Mayor Wes Gatchalian.

During the inspection, at least two vape shops were ordered closed due to lack of business permit, and in violation of the distance from a school, respectively.

Gatchalian explained that one of the shops was within 100 meters from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela.

Section 9 of RA 11900 states that the sale, promotion, advertising, and product demonstration of Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products or Novel Tobacco Products within 100 meters from a school, playground or other facility frequented by minors is prohibited.

RA 11900, which lapsed into law on July 25, 2022, covers vapor products/refills, vapor product devices, heated tobacco products, HTP consumables and devices as well as novel tobacco products.

Initial data from the DTI also showed that one of the inspected vape stores is compliant with the law.

Castelo expressed gratitude to Gatchalian for supporting the DTI’s crackdown on non-compliant vape stores.

Apart from physical vape stores, the DTI earlier urged e-commerce platforms to comply with the law regulating vape products.

“We appeal to online marketplaces to police their sellers and ensure that appropriate age verification mechanisms and point of sale signs are in place, and that all listed products bear the required graphic health warnings prescribed by law,” Castelo said. – Mark Ernest Villeza