MANILA – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) disclosed on Saturday that it had confiscated over P25 million worth of illicit vape products during the initial five months of the year, marking a significant surge compared to last year’s total seizure.
According to Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, the DTI has seized P25,874,175 worth of illegal vape merchandise, a stark contrast to the P5,453,852 confiscated throughout the entirety of 2023.
These actions are attributed to the rigorous enforcement of Republic Act (RA) 11900, popularly known as the Vape Law, which regulates both Nicotine and Non-Nicotine vaporized products.
A substantial portion of the confiscated items fell afoul of Rule 6, Section 1(j), which explicitly prohibits the marketing, packaging, and presentation of vape products using flavor descriptors or cartoon characters appealing to minors.
“This surge in seizures halfway through the year underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting Filipino consumers, particularly our youth. It reflects our intensified efforts, and we are determined to press on,” remarked Pascual in a statement.
He added, “Our collaborative efforts with various agencies and stakeholders will persist as we strive for nothing short of eradicating the illegal vape trade, fostering a healthier business environment for Filipino enterprises and consumers alike.”
Among the seized brands were 2,428 units of RELX valued at PHP 534,190 and 158 units of Waka by RELX valued at PHP 35,440.
In March, the DTI suspended the sale and distribution of the Flava vape brand due to repeated violations of RA 11900. Moreover, a joint operation with the Philippine National Police in April led to the seizure of PHP 24.8 million worth of illicit Flava vapes from an establishment situated within 20 meters of an elementary school in Parañaque City.
The DTI highlighted that this incident clearly contravenes the law prohibiting vape sales within 100 meters of areas frequented by minors.
(el Amigo/MNM)
