The operations of 14 manufacturers and importers of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products have been suspended due to violations of packaging and health warning requirements on their products.
According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the suspension is based on violations of Section 4(d) of Republic Act 11900, also known as the "Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act."
Penalties for breaching marking requirements on products, according to the Bureau of Internal Revenue, are as follows:
1st Offense: A fine of Php 2,000,000 and imprisonment of 2 years;
2nd Offense: A fine of Php 4,000,000 and imprisonment of 4 years;
3rd Offense: A fine of Php 5,000,000, imprisonment of 6 years, and revocation of business permits and licenses.
The suspended manufacturers and importers have been issued a Preliminary Order (PO) or Preventive Measure Order (PMO), thus they are suspended from manufacturing, importing, distributing, and promoting all vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products.
The Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products, their Devices, and Novel Tobacco Products (OSMV) calls for the public to inform the authorities about sellers of vape products that are violating the law.
Contact can be made with the DTI Consumer Care Hotline at 1-384 or by sending an email to [email protected].
Information and complaints can also be submitted to [email protected] or by visiting https://www.dti.gov.ph/osmv/.
