The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) condemned over P41 million worth of illicit vapor products, part of a concentrated enforcement drive against unregistered and non-compliant vapes since January 2025. This latest haul, covering 88 illegal vape brands, brings the total value of illicit vapor products confiscated by the DTI since 2023 to an estimated P56.17 million.

• Photo credit: DTI

The intensified operations were spearheaded by the DTI’s Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products, their Devices, and Novel Tobacco Products (OSMV). These efforts were conducted in coordination with the Bureau of Customs, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda to bolster law enforcement and consumer protection.

Beyond physical confiscations, the DTI has also significantly ramped up its online enforcement. The department successfully coordinated with major digital platforms to take down over 104 million pages, posts, and listings promoting illicit vape products. Furthermore, 628 physical establishments have been flagged for violations, leading to 385 formal charges, show cause orders, and notices of violation. Currently, ten non-compliant brands face trading suspensions.

This robust enforcement campaign underscores the DTI’s commitment to the full implementation of Republic Act No. 11900 (RA 11900), or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act. The DTI plays a key role in the broader inter-agency effort to combat the illicit vape trade.

Common offenses among the seized products include the absence of required tax stamps and/or Philippine Standard license marks, as well as improper graphic health warnings, all in violation of Section 4 of RA 11900. Many non-compliant products also contravene Section 12 for using packaging and marketing tactics, such as fruity flavors, candy brands, and cartoon characters, that unduly appeal to minors.

Violators of Section 4 (Packaging and Health Warnings) face severe penalties: a P2 million fine and up to two years imprisonment for a first offense; a P4 million fine and up to four years imprisonment for a second offense; and a P5 million fine, up to six years imprisonment, or both, along with potential license revocation for a third offense.

For violations of Section 12 (Restrictions on Product Communications), penalties include a P100,000 fine for a first offense, P200,000 for a second offense, and a P400,000 fine, up to three years imprisonment, or both, plus potential license revocation for a third offense.

The DTI OSMV urges all retailers, distributors, and manufacturers to strictly comply with RA 11900 to protect consumers, especially minors. The department warned that continued violations will result in product confiscations, administrative penalties, and product recalls.

The public is encouraged to report any violations of RA 11900 to the DTI OSMV Communications Unit via email at OSMV@dti.gov.ph or OSMV_Comms@dti.gov.ph. Consumer complaints related to vape products can also be filed through the DTI Consumer Care System at ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph.