Philippines Bureau of Internal Revenue to intensify crackdown on illegal e-cigarette products

Oct.22.2024

BIR vows to crack down on illegal e-cigarettes in the Philippines, targeting retailers nationwide with weekly raids.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue in the Philippines has vowed to intensify its crackdown on illegal e-cigarette products, the Manila Bulletin reported on 21 October. The agency plans to conduct weekly surprise inspections of retailers nationwide to combat the distribution of illegal products.

BIR Director Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. announced this proactive measure. He said: "I have ordered raids on illegal e-cigarette retailers in all locations on a weekly basis. Without illegal e-cigarette retailers or distributors, there would be no illegal e-cigarette smugglers".

This directive was issued following a successful nationwide crackdown on 16 October that resulted in the closure of 408 retail outlets selling counterfeit or unregistered e-cigarette products.

These illegal retailers often commit violations such as lacking internal tax identification numbers and failing to register e-cigarette products with the BIR. The number of e-cigarette products seized is still being tallied. Lumakwi said the BIR will continue to conduct regular surveillance and raids to dismantle the illegal e-cigarette trade network.

References:

[1] BIR to launch weekly raids to crack down on illicit vape retailers

Also Read:

[1] Philippines BIR Launches Nationwide Raid on Illegal E-Cigarette Sellers

[2] Philippines DTI: Unregulated E-cigarette Products Flood Market, Urges Legal Purchases

[3] Revised Regulations on Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Vaping Products

[4] Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue Raises Tobacco Prices Mandate

[5] DTI Initiates Legal Action Against Four E-Cigarette Brands Including RELX, Flare

[6] DTI-FTEB and PNP-CIDG Joint Operation in Tondo District

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

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