DTI Statement on the Proliferation of Selling of Vape Flavors with Descriptions
Philippines , 21 March 2023
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assures the public of its intensified enforcement activities to ensure the compliance of business establishments with Republic Act No. 11900 (RA11900), or the “Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act”, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
With the effectivity of the IRR on 28 December 2022, manufacturers and importers are given an 18-month transitory period until 05 June 2024, to comply with product registration and certification requirements under RA11900. For product registration, only BPS-registered and certified Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products, their devices, and Novel Tobacco Products with the applicable graphic and textual health warnings shall be sold to the general public by June 2024.
The Department issued Notices of Violation to establishments selling Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products, their devices, and Novel Tobacco Products with markings or characters such as cartoons, anime, manga, animated characters, youth influencers, personalities, and the like as well as those that are packaged, labeled, presented, or marketed with flavor descriptors such as fruit, candy brand, dessert, or cartoon character.
The DTI reminds online and offline businesses to strictly comply with the law particularly in ensuring that minors have no access to Vaporized Nicotine and Non- Nicotine Products and Novel Tobacco Products and warns that violators will be prosecuted accordingly.
A copy of the IRR is available for download from the DTI website. Everyone is encouraged to follow the DTI’s Consumer Care official social media accounts for more information. For consumer-related concerns and queries, send an email to ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph or call the One-DTI (1-384) Hotline.
