Vapeboss – The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will intensify its enforcement against vape product sellers who violate the recently enacted vape law: The Republic Act (RA) 11900.

DTI Assistant Secretary Ann Claire Cabochan revealed this intention during a public hearing recently held by the Senate Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation, and Future Thinking.

Cabochan stated that several violators have been identified, some of whom are illegally selling vaping products near places frequented by teenagers, offering products attractive to young people, and some of the products sold do not include the required health warnings.

“I think there are already 23 companies. So, a total of 16 show-cause orders have been issued by the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau,” said Cabochan in response to a question from Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva.

She added that the DTI has sent official warnings to online selling platforms, urging them to comply with RA 11900.

Vape Bill Compliance Issues

Several months ago, Albay Representative Joey Salceda, chairman of the House ways and means panel, highlighted "lax compliance" with the Vape Bill. He said that untaxed and imported vaping products were being categorized as "toys" and "electronics" on online selling platforms. The economist-turned-legislator mentioned that his staff browsed online platforms to check how easy it was to purchase items online while bypassing all the supposed restrictions.

He revealed that unfortunately, his colleagues could do so with ease. “It turns out, it's very easy to buy vapes without these requirements,” he said, adding that there were several online sales of vaping products “that are not even branded” and some online sellers avoid paying excise taxes by categorizing them merely as toys and electronics.”

“Proponents of the vaping regulatory law argued that it is a better way to regulate the sector and should save lives. Additionally, rules for online vape sales were also provided. Let's prove it,” he added.

Salceda said that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) should establish further restrictions to combat counterfeit vaping products and ensure that excise taxes are imposed on imported vaping products. “The BIR should impose some level of accountability on online shopping networks that they are aiding and abetting tax evasion if they are selling products that do not comply with excise taxes. I want rules that ensure vapes are categorized as restricted products, not as toys or electronics on online stores. That will also help prevent tax evasion and marketing to minors.”

Source: Vapingpost