Philippines Government Urges Removal of Illegal E-Cigarette Merchants

Apr.30.2023
Philippines Government Urges Removal of Illegal E-Cigarette Merchants
The Philippines recommends e-commerce platforms remove over 15,000 illegal e-cigarette merchants to comply with new regulations.

On April 29, the Philippine government reportedly suggested that e-commerce platforms remove over 15,000 non-compliant electronic cigarette vendors, as reported by the Philippine Star.


Ruth Castelo, the Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry in the Philippines, announced that her department has been monitoring nearly 15,000 online sellers of electronic cigarettes who have been found to have committed illegal acts. The department has recommended that these non-compliant sellers be removed from the platforms.


On December 28, 2022, the Philippines' "Regulation Act on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products" will take effect, whereby unregistered electronic cigarette products will be subject to the provisions of the law.


Castro stated that if the online platform adheres strictly, there is no need to cancel the sales of the product.


Despite identifying which products cannot be sold, some products still manage to evade detection.


As previously reported by 2FIRSTS, the Consumer Protection Group (CPG) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issued a stern warning to e-commerce platforms that sell electronic cigarette products to minors. CPG believes that the packaging of these e-cigarettes is highly attractive to underage individuals.


At the time, Castro strongly reminded platforms at the meeting to abide by the law, particularly to ensure that minors cannot access e-cigarette products.


Further reading:


The Philippine e-commerce platform Lazada has been urged to remove illegal electronic cigarette products from its site.


2. The Philippines may include tobacco in its anti-smuggling bill. 3. The Department of Trade and Industry in the Philippines plans to crack down on online platforms that sell illegal e-cigarettes.


References:


shops 【2】In its ongoing crackdown against illegal vape shops, the government has announced plans to shut down an additional 15,000 stores that are not complying with regulations. This move is part of the government's efforts to reduce the number of underage vapers and to ensure that vape products are sold in a safe and responsible manner. The announcement has been met with mixed reactions from the public, with some calling it a necessary step while others are concerned about the impact on small businesses and adult smokers who rely on vaping as a way to quit smoking.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

PMI Partners With Italian Tenor Andrea Bocelli to Launch “Believe. Further” Platform
PMI Partners With Italian Tenor Andrea Bocelli to Launch “Believe. Further” Platform
Philip Morris International (PMI) and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli have launched “Believe. Further,” a multi-year communications platform targeting cultural, institutional and business audiences in Europe, as PMI says smoke-free products accounted for 43% of its net revenues as of the first quarter of 2026.
Jul.01
Altria Reports Q1 2026 Net Revenues of $5.43 Billion and 7.3% Growth in Adjusted Diluted EPS
Altria Reports Q1 2026 Net Revenues of $5.43 Billion and 7.3% Growth in Adjusted Diluted EPS
Altria Group reported its first-quarter 2026 results on April 30. Net revenues were $5.43 billion, up 3.2% year on year, while revenues net of excise taxes were $4.76 billion, up 5.3%. Reported diluted EPS was $1.30, up more than 100%, and adjusted diluted EPS was $1.32, up 7.3%.
May.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korea Moves Against Synthetic Nicotine Regulatory Gap as Three Companies Face Tobacco Business Act Probe
South Korea Moves Against Synthetic Nicotine Regulatory Gap as Three Companies Face Tobacco Business Act Probe
South Korea’s Ministry of Finance and Economy said on May 4 that it requested the Daejeon Metropolitan Police Agency and Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency to investigate three sales companies on suspicion of violating the Tobacco Business Act.
May.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
France Vape Market 2026: Use Reaches 7.9% Amid Tax, Regulatory and Scientific Debate
France Vape Market 2026: Use Reaches 7.9% Amid Tax, Regulatory and Scientific Debate
France remains one of Europe’s active vape markets in 2026, with adult vaping prevalence rising to 7.9%; at the same time, e-liquid taxation, public-space restrictions, advertising compliance and health-risk debate are pushing the industry into a critical policy period.
Jun.23
Special Report | Russian Vape Compromise Faces First Hurdles
Special Report | Russian Vape Compromise Faces First Hurdles
Russia’s regional vape-ban model is facing early legal and political tests, as Perm Krai moves ahead before federal legislation is fully adopted. The case highlights uncertainty over regional authority, concerns from business groups about market fragmentation, and the risk that pressure against regional bans could revive calls for a stricter nationwide prohibition.
Industry Insight
May.28
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary Resigns After Opposing Trump Administration’s Flavored Vape Push
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary Resigns After Opposing Trump Administration’s Flavored Vape Push
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary resigned on May 12 after opposing the Trump administration’s push to authorize fruit-flavored vaping products, according to reporting by The New York Times. Makary reportedly objected over concerns that flavored vapes could attract young people and refused to support broader approvals.
News
May.13