Vape Bill to protect consumers from counterfeit, substandard vapes — trade group

Jesus Arranza, chairman of the Federation of Philippine Industries and lead advocate of FIGHT Illicit Trade ( FIGHT IT)

A local trade group renewed its call for the enactment of the Vape Bill to regulate the industry of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products, as well as protect consumers from fake and substandard cigarette alternatives.

The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) chairman and anti-illicit trade advocate Jesus Arranza said the reforms proposed by the Vape Bill would make it difficult for unscrupulous, unregistered, and non-taxpaying traders to peddle smuggled goods to innocent consumers.

Arranza said the Vape Bill has ample provisions which “aim to combat illicit trade and promote a level playing field between and among foreign and domestic manufacturers, importers and exporters of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products.”

FPI, the voice of local businesses, earlier sent a letter to the President to express their support for the Vape Bill which aims to curb the proliferation of illicit and substandard devices that sometimes lead to serious accidents with unsuspecting consumers.

The FPI said the bill also aims to regulate the trade of cigarette alternatives, including online sales, to make sure they contribute to government revenues.

It said the regulation of online sales under the Vape Bill is “very timely given the widespread shift to e-commerce from traditional trade channels.”

“All these also guarantee correct, adequate and stable collection of taxes for the government while at the same time safeguarding local employment and investment of legitimate industries,” he said.

The FPI said the signing of the Vape Bill into law will reduce the illicit trade of cigarette alternatives and support government revenues.  It said the bill will provide a “sweet spot for achieving the government’s revenue and health objectives.”

Once signed into law, the bill will regulate the importation, manufacture, sale, packaging, distribution, use and communication of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products, as well as novel tobacco products.

It will authorize the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to order a recall or confiscation of non-compliant smoke-free products sold online and in physical stores.  This will also ensure that the trade of cigarettes alternatives is regulated and monitored by the agency.

Arranza said that “by ensuring that only DTI-registered and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)-compliant products are allowed to be sold, advertised, or distributed through lawful means—illicit trade of these products as well as their unintended use are minimized, if not totally eradicated.”

“The DTI has always been a capable and dependable agency in enforcing regulations that protect the consumers and our local small and medium enterprises,” he said.

Arranza said that while he respects the opinion of some groups to get the involvement of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in regulating vape and HTPs, “sadly their track record on enforcement is not reassuring, especially for consumers.”

“Kung kailan lang may namamatay or pumuputok na insidente saka lang sila pumapasok sa eksena,” he said.

The Senate and the House of Representatives earlier approved Senate Bill No. 2239 or the “Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act” and House Bill No. 9007 or the “Non-Combustible Nicotine Delivery Systems Regulation Act.” The consolidated version of the two bills is now awaiting the signature of the President to become law.

FPI is the largest umbrella group for trade in the Philippines composed of 168 organizations and companies from various industries. It proactively advocates for legislation that enhances economic development and informs members and the public about economic issues and policies which affect business directions.

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