BIR to Intensify Enforcement Against Illegal E-cigarette and Cigarette Trading

Feb.08

BIR to intensify enforcement against illegal e-cigarettes and cigarettes in 2025, responding to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s remarks.

On February 6, the Philippines Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) announced on its official website that they will be increasing enforcement efforts by 2025. BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. stated that BIR will continue to crackdown on illegal e-cigarettes and counterfeit cigarettes in 2025. This announcement comes in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s speech at the BIR event on Tuesday (4th), where President Marcos emphasized that individuals and companies engaged in tax fraud will be held accountable.

The President stated that the crackdown on illegal trade of taxed goods such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes in 2024 has recovered over 1.1 billion Philippine pesos (190 million USD) in tax revenue. He also warned that those who continue to exploit legal loopholes will be held accountable.

BIR Director Luma Ji reported that the agency has planned to carry out multiple enforcement activities targeting illegal e-cigarettes and cigarettes in 2025.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) will continue to conduct raids on stores and warehouses selling illegal e-cigarettes or cigarettes in 2025. No matter the scale of the criminal activity, whether large or small, they will not be spared.

He emphasized that criminal charges will continue to be brought against large importers and small retailers in 2025.

References:

[1] Lumagui: PBBM throws his support to the BIR's War against Ghost Receipts, Illicit Vape, & Illicit Cigarette; Expect more BIR enforcement operations this 2025

Also Read:

[1] Philippine Bureau of Customs Destroys Smuggled E-Cigarettes Worth 580,000 USD

[2] BIR Plans More Lawsuits Against Illegal E-Cigarette Traders in 2025

[3] Philippine Government Exceeds 2024 Fiscal Revenue Target with Surplus

[4] Philippines' DTI Reaffirms New Rules: E-Cigarette Products Must Hold PS Certification, Violators Face Heavy Penalties

[5] Philippine Tax Office Confirms Significant Drop in Consumption Tax

[6] Philippine BIR Seizes 560,000 Illegal E-Cigarettes in Nationwide Raids, $7.1 Million in Tax Evasion Detected

[7] Philippines Seizes $80M in Illegal Vapes Over 10 Months

#Law enforcement #Asia #Open system e-cigarettes #Philippines

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