,Philippines Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) informed a Senate hearing that flavored vape products marketed with youth-appealing descriptors, such as food, dessert, and cartoon themes, are entirely smuggled and have not passed regulatory approval in the Philippines. According to DTI officials, these products bypass the licensing requirements established under Republic Act 11900, which permits only plain tobacco and menthol flavors and restricts marketing targeting minors. Authorities reported a sharp rise in enforcement actions, with confiscated vape products increasing significantly in value from 2023 to 2025, reflecting intensified crackdowns on illegal trade. Enforcement efforts in 2026 have already resulted in additional seizures through coordinated operations. The DTI has also filed cases against major online platforms for facilitating the sale of unlicensed vape products and warned of potential shutdowns for non-compliance. Health authorities highlighted that flavored products contribute to youth initiation and nicotine dependence, raising concerns about vaping as a gateway to addiction. Lawmakers are currently reviewing measures to strengthen regulatory controls and enforcement.
Consumer News Region