Editor's note: On the afternoon of August 18th, 2FIRSTS received a tip that the Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) had conducted a surprise inspection at the 2024 Philippine Vape Fair (PVF), seizing brands that did not comply with local regulations. According to sources on the scene, the new Flava brand FLARE may have been affected by this operation. (For more information, read: Breaking News: Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue conducts surprise inspection at e-cigarette expo, Flava's new brand may be affected)
According to a report in the Manila Bulletin on August 19, on August 18, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines raided the 2024 Philippine Vape Festival (PVF), targeting illegal e-cigarette products that did not comply with local regulations.
On the same day, August 18th, a team led by BIR Director Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. raided this year's e-cigarette exhibition in Las Pinas City after surveillance footage showed untaxed e-cigarette products being sold at the event.
With the assistance of the BIR's Illegal Trade Task Force (ITTF), Lumagui confiscated illegal products lacking domestic tax stamps.
The on-site photo gallery is as follows:
Currently, the process of inventorying the illegal e-cigarette products confiscated during the exhibition is still ongoing.
Lumage emphasized that
We have issued warnings to the e-cigarette industry. BIR will conduct raids on any premises found to have illegal e-cigarettes at any time, even on weekends or holidays. We will raid festival events. We will raid public markets. We will raid warehouses. Those caught evading taxes will face criminal charges.
He pointed out that despite repeated reminders to comply with tax regulations, illegal e-cigarette products were still openly displayed at the exhibition. He described this as a blatant disregard for the proper taxation of the e-cigarette industry.
They even organized a festival event filled with illegal e-cigarettes. The full force of the BIR's Illegal Trade Special Task Force will be used to crack down on this industry.
Earlier this month, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) conducted a raid at the Taytay Tiangge market due to the presence of FLAVA and other illegal e-cigarette products. (Read more: Philippines' Bureau of Internal Revenue seizes nearly 8,000 illegal e-cigarette items involving FLAVA brand products)
Just a few weeks ago, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) raided a building in Quezon City and confiscated a FLAVA vending machine. (Read more: Philippine Commissioner of Internal Revenue personally seals FLAVA e-cigarette vending machine, encourages the public to report illegal activities)
We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.
Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn
Notice
1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.
2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.
4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.
Copyright
This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.
For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.
We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com
