DTI: P31 million vape products seized

MANILA, Philippines — The government has confiscated over P31 million worth of non-compliant vape products since last year, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported yesterday.

In a statement, the DTI said the government seized 65,865 vape products from Feb. 9, 2023 to April 23 this year.

During the same period, the DTI monitored 84,523 physical and online vape stores.

Of the monitored online and physical stores, the DTI said 298 were issued notices of violation (NOV) while 493 were issued show-cause orders (SCOs).

These non-compliant establishments are required to submit a written explanation within 48 hours of receipt of SCOs and NOVs.

Earlier this week, a joint operation conducted by the DTI with the Philippine National Police resulted in the confiscation of 45,200 non-compliant vaporized nicotine, non-nicotine and novel tobacco products worth almost P25 million.

The DTI said vape products were seized from a shop, which branded itself as a milk tea outlet, located near an elementary school in southern Metro Manila.

Republic Act 11900 or the Vape Law prohibits the sale of vape products within 100 meters of areas frequented by minors.

The DTI said the establishment also violated Section 12 of the law, which bans the sale of vapes with flavor descriptors targeting minors.