Philippine Trade and Industry Department Implements Stricter Regulations on Importation of Nicotine and Tobacco Products, Requires Compliance with Quality Standards.

Key Points:

·Content of the new regulation: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines has issued Department Administrative Order No. 25-10 (2025) (DAO25-10) to regulate the importation of vaporized products and novel tobacco products not certified to Philippine standards, allowing only those that meet Philippine and international quality standards to enter the country.

·Legal basis: Formulated in accordance with multiple laws such as the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, the Standards Law, the Consumer Act of the Philippines, and the Internet Transactions Act.

·Regulatory scope: Covering both commercial and non-commercial imports, with strengthened import controls.

·Policy objectives: Supporting the implementation of existing mandatory product certification requirements, cracking down on illegal importation and regulatory evasion, and establishing a centralized and coordinated "whole-of-government" regulatory and enforcement model.

·Requirements: Urging importers, travelers, and e-commerce operators to comply with the new import guidelines.

According to the information on the official website of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on August 7, the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has officially released Department Administrative Order No. 25-10 (2025) (DAO25-10), which aims to regulate the importation of nicotine vapor products, non-nicotine vapor products and novel tobacco products that are not certified to Philippine Standards (Non-PS), ensuring that only products meeting the prescribed Philippine and international quality standards are allowed to enter the country.

The release of Administrative Order No. 25-10 in 2025 is based on the enforcement powers outlined in the Republic Act No. 11900 (also known as the "Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Atomized Products Regulation Act"), Republic Act No. 4109 (also known as the "Standardization Act"), and Republic Act No. 7394 (also known as the "Consumer Act of the Philippines") by the Department of Trade and Industry in the Philippines.

This policy is based on Article 5 of Republic Act No. 11967 of 2023, also known as the Internet Commerce Law, and it clearly strengthens the management and control of commercial and non-commercial imports (including imports conducted through e-commerce platforms).

This executive order also provides support for the implementation of Department Executive Order No. 22-06 (as supplemented and amended), which establishes mandatory product certification requirements. At the same time, the executive order cracks down on illegal importation and evasive practices (including products containing illegal substances and those bypassing mandatory inspections and testing).

By covering all import channels, including e-commerce, free trade zones, airports, and seaports, this policy constructs a centralized and coordinated "whole-of-government" regulatory and enforcement model.

The Department of Trade and Industry in the Philippines urges all importers, travelers, and e-commerce operators to comply with the new import guidelines.