DTI seizes P.8 million vape products

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has confiscated over P860,000 worth of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products as well as novel tobacco products, which do not conform with the law regulating these products.

In a statement over the weekend, the DTI said its Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau recently inspected 11 vape shops in Manila to ensure their compliance with Republic Act 11900.

“Out of the 11 inspected, eight non-conforming shops were issued Notices of Violation, requiring them to submit a written explanation within 48 hours from receipt thereof,” the DTI said.

According to the DTI, among the rules that were violated by vape shops were Rule V, Section 6, which requires posting of the minimum age requirement around the establishment, and Rule VI, Section 1, which prohibits selling vapor products with fruit flavors and packaging that uses cartoon characters.

RA 11900 lapsed into law on July 25 last year. Its implementing rules and regulations were issued by the DTI in December 2022.

The law covers vapor products, refills, vapor product devices, heated tobacco products, HTP consumables and devices as well as novel tobacco products.