BIR on high alert for illicit vapes

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is stepping up enforcement against illicit vape and tobacco products as demand typically peaks ahead of the Christmas season.

The tax agency has ordered its regional and enforcement offices to intensify monitoring of suspected production sites, warehouses, distribution channels and retail outlets.

BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza said there would be no holiday for operations against illicit vapes, putting its enforcement teams on high alert.

“We are receiving intelligence and market information on the increased risk of illicit vape and tobacco products entering the market as holiday demand picks up,” Mendoza said.

The heightened monitoring comes as the BIR continues nationwide operations against illicit tobacco and vape products, including seizure and destruction of illegal goods, assessment of tax liabilities and the filing of cases against violators.

The government lost around P141 billion in revenues to illicit tobacco trade over the past two years, according to a study by the European Union-ASEAN Business Council and Euromonitor International.