DOH cautions vs marketing Philippines as hub for heated tobacco products
MANILA, Philippines — Marketing the Philippines as a manufacturing hub for e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) may exacerbate the tobacco epidemic in the country, the Department of Health cautioned Thursday.
The DOH fears that such a move “may result in the proliferation of these projects” and “will undermine efforts” to prevent and restrict access to HTPs and vapes, especially among young people.
“This move would also be contrary to the policy intent of Republic Act 11900 (Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act) to protect the citizens from any potential hazards of HTPs,” the department said in a statement.
The Philippine News Agency reported the Department of Trade and Industry urged HTP manufacturers to make the Philippines the next destination for their factories as local demand for heated tobacco devices increases.
“Economic managers should consider the long term economic burden resulting from these harmful products due to premature sickness and deaths, which outweighs potential economic gains from investing in these industries,” the DOH said.
Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act lapsed into law in July 2022. The measure mandates the DTI to regulate vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products. Only duly-registered vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products with the applicable graphic health warnings are allowed to be sold, advertised or distributed.
The law also allows individuals as young as 18 years old to purchase vaping products, prompting criticisms from health and child rights organizations that it would bring e-cigarettes closer to young people.
- Latest
- Trending
