Philippines DTI Floats Blanket Ban on Open-Pod Vapes and E-Liquids, Seeks Public Input

Key Points

• Agency: Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
• Scope: Ban the use, manufacture, importation, and distribution of open pods and e-liquids
• Risk focus: Use of uncertified e-liquids; accidental/intentional poisoning; dermal exposure; potential adulteration with illegal substances
• Regulatory impact: DTI would immediately stop processing applications/renewals for Philippine Standard (PS) licenses covering open pods and e-liquids
• Consultation deadline: Feb. 4, 2026

2Firsts, Jan 29, 2026

According to local reporting, the Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is seeking stakeholder feedback on a draft Department Administrative Order (DAO) that would impose a blanket ban on open vape pods and e-liquids, citing consumer health and safety risks. The draft would prohibit the use, manufacturing, importation, and distribution of the targeted products.

DTI said the proposal is anchored on Republic Act No. 11900, the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, and is intended to curb the potential abuse of harmful substances. Open pods are refillable cartridges that allow users to manually add e-liquids, unlike pre-filled or closed systems. DTI argues the refillable setup can enable the use of uncertified e-liquids, raising risks including accidental or intentional poisoning and dermal exposure.

DTI also warned e-liquids could be adulterated or repurposed to contain illegal and harmful substances, referencing a recent “Tuklaw” cigarettes case in which vape products were found to contain synthetic cannabinoid components. Citing a World Health Organization (WHO) study, DTI added that prohibiting open-pod sales is recommended due to the products’ modifiable features and higher potential for abuse.

Under the draft DAO, DTI would immediately stop processing applications and renewals for Philippine Standard (PS) licenses covering open pods and e-liquids. PS licenses are issued by DTI to ensure products meet national quality and safety standards before being sold in the domestic market. DTI said its Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products, their Devices, and Novel Tobacco Products (OSMV) will accept comments on the draft policy until Feb. 4, 2026.

DTI also noted it recently sought feedback on a separate draft DAO that would introduce mandatory permits for vape-related advertising and sales promotions, requiring an Advertisement Permit (AP) or Sales Promotion Permit (SPP) from OSMV before materials are released.

Image source: Manila Bulletin