Almost P3 million worth of uncertified vape products seized in NCR — DTI

MANILA, Philippines — Nearly P3 million worth of uncertified vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products and novel tobacco items were seized in the National Capital Region (NCR) over three months this year, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Monday.

In a statement, the DTI said its fair trade enforcement bureau confiscated 9,695 units of uncertified e-cigarettes with an estimated value of P2.98 million through routine inspections of vape shops from Feb. 9 to April 26.

DTI said it inspected 390 physical stores, of which 121 firms complied with laws while 163 were found to have violations.

The remaining 121 firms, it said, were either closed or no longer selling vape products.

Meanwhile, the DTI also found that only 86 of 16,376 online vape shops complied with the law, and the rest had violations.

The agency said those stores with violations were told to submit a written explanation.

From this, the DTI said 56 formal charges had been filed against Republic Act No. 11900 violators and it’s implementing rules and regulations.

“A case has also been filed against one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the country,” it said.

“As we work to sustain the growth and development of the Philippine economy, we continue to prioritize the protection and welfare of Filipino consumers, especially minors,” DTI chief Alfredo Pascual said.

“The DTI remains steadfast in formulating and strictly implementing policies that will ensure that these vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products will not be easily accessible to minors who might be enticed by it,” he added. 

— Maria Liezl Projella, INQUIRER.net trainee

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