Vapeboss – A world-renowned vape brand, RELX International, is committed to creating healthy business competition and selling products in compliance with applicable regulations in Indonesia. Through the Golden Shield program, RELX International is committed to increasing state revenue contributions and eradicating illegal vape products.

This commitment is realized through a collaboration between RELX International and the Batam Type B Main Customs and Excise Office (KPU Bea dan Cukai Tipe B Batam) to combat the trade of unofficial products without excise stamps or illegal products.

In addition to protecting potential state revenue from excise duties, this collaboration also aims to protect the Electronic Cigarette Industry (REL), especially to protect and ensure that RELX consumer protection is a top priority.

"RELX Indonesia believes that consumers are entitled to safe and guaranteed products. Therefore, we are committed to combating the trade of illegal electronic cigarette products. Not only does the trade of illegal electronic cigarettes have the potential to eliminate state revenue, but it can also expose consumers to substandard and dangerous products," said Yudhistira Eka Saputra, General Manager of RELX International in Indonesia.

In line with this, the Chairman of APPNINDO (Indonesian Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Entrepreneurs Association), Teguh Basuki A Wibowo, stated that "We are actively involved in combating the circulation of illegal electronic cigarettes by continuously coordinating and collaborating with Customs and Excise Offices throughout Indonesia. This activity also serves as a reaffirmation of APPNINDO's commitment, along with all its members, to continue advancing the HPTL and REL industries."

"From the results of excise operations in several outlets in Batam, we managed to find illegally sold electronic cigarettes. From this activity, we have seized tobacco products in the form of e-liquid illegally sold by business owners," said the Head of the Batam Type B Main Customs and Excise Office (KPU Bea dan Cukai Tipe B Batam) Pekanbaru, Ambang Priyonggo.

"We invite the public and business actors to operate legally in accordance with regulations. We routinely conduct supervision and evaluation so that similar practices do not happen again and to optimize state revenue in the customs and excise sector," he added.

Based on the results of excise operations at several electronic cigarette distributors in Batam during the period of March 27 - March 31, 2023, the Batam Type B Main Customs and Excise Office managed to find the circulation of electronic cigarettes that were not equipped with excise stamps, both in disposable form and in Pod (cartridge) form. Officers then seized tobacco products in the form of e-liquid totaling 1,070.2 milliliters. This illegal cigarette trade practice has the potential to reduce state revenue amid the growing alternative cigarette industry.

This is because, as stated in PMK 192/PMK.010/2022 concerning Amendments to Minister of Finance Regulation Number 193/PMK.010/2021 concerning Excise Tariffs on Tobacco Products in the Form of Electronic Cigarettes (REL) and Other Tobacco Processing Products (HPTL), all forms of electronic cigarette products fall into the category subject to excise tariffs based on the PMK, including electronic cigarettes.

In 2022, the electronic cigarette industry contributed Rp 1.02 trillion to state revenue, with details of Rp 119.47 billion from closed-system liquid electronic cigarettes, Rp 271.93 billion from solid electronic cigarettes, and Rp 627.22 billion from open-system liquid electronic cigarette revenue. A healthy electronic cigarette industry ecosystem is needed so that the electronic cigarette industry can contribute more to state revenue.

"Moving forward, we are open to various collaborations focused on consumer protection and contributing to state revenue. Therefore, we urge consumers to be wary of illegal goods by choosing products that are of maintained quality and scientifically tested for safety," concluded Yudhistira.

All these efforts are part of the development of the Golden Shield Program. This program is an anti-smuggling or illicit trade initiative to combat the production and sale of counterfeit products. Golden Shield RELX International members work with online social media platforms and local authorities to remove counterfeit electronic cigarette products from the market.

Source: Detik

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