Vape bill awaits Duterte’s approval

A man and his vape. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — The bill that aims to regulate vaporized nicotine (vape) and non-nicotine products as well as novel tobacco products is now up for President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature.

This, as the House of Representatives ratified on Wednesday the report of the bicameral conference committee which reconciled the disagreeing provisions of Senate Bill No. 2239 and House Bill No. 9007 or so-called vape bills.

The Senate ratified the bicameral conference committee report on Tuesday.

The Senate version, titled Vaporized Nicotine Products Regulation Act, was adopted as the working draft during the bicameral conference, according to Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, who led the Senate contingent.

“This bill is meant to regulate vaporized nicotine products, non-nicotine products, and novel tobacco products. It is expected to encourage a shift from smoking the unhealthier cigarettes to these alternatives less harmful products,” Recto said.

The bill bars the sale of these products to minors.

“This bill is never intended to adopt a new lifestyle, especially for minors, who are prohibited from having access to these products,” Recto continued.

Posts, messages, or images by manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers that encourage the purchase and use of vape products will also be prohibited under the measure, according to an earlier release from the House of Representatives.

The bill will task the Department of Health to prescribe guidelines on the implementation of smoking and vaping restriction awareness campaigns, it added.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will be required to consult the Food and Drug Administration in setting technical standards for the safety, consistency, and quality of the products.

Further, the bill gives manufacturers, distributors, importers, and sellers an 18-month transitory period from the issuance of the implementing rules and regulations to comply with the requirements of this measure, including the registration of the products with the DTI.

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