The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has lifted its suspension on the online sale and distribution of vape products, their devices, and novel tobacco products. The move, outlined in Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 25-04, comes with stringent conditions requiring online platforms to implement robust age-gating measures and mandate buyer registration to prevent access by minors.

Under the new order, consumers of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products, their devices, and novel tobacco products must register with websites, e-commerce platforms, or similar digital channels before they can access product advertisements or make purchases.

• Photo credit: DTI

The DTI specified that an age-gating measure is considered effective if individuals under 18 years old cannot access or purchase these products from online platforms at any time, without assistance from an adult. This aims to ensure full compliance with Republic Act No. 11900 (RA 11900), also known as the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.

This latest directive reverses Department Administrative Order No. 24-03, issued in July 2024 by then-Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual. That previous order had temporarily suspended online sales, distribution, and advertising of vapor products and devices until e-marketplace operators could demonstrate adequate and effective measures for age verification and adherence to all other legal requirements.

The DTI emphasized that online selling of vape products and devices will now only be permitted if the e-marketplace can satisfy the DTI that it has instituted effective measures ensuring its platform and online merchants fully comply with proof-of-age verification and all other mandatory legal requirements under RA 11900, RA 11967 (Internet Transactions Act), RA 7394 (Consumer Act), and other relevant laws and regulations.