Philippine DTI Suspends Operations of 14 E-Cigarette Companies

Jan.16.2025
Philippine DTI Suspends Operations of 14 E-Cigarette Companies
DTI suspends operations of 14 e-cigarette companies in the Philippines for failing to comply with packaging regulations and health warnings.

On January 15, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines issued a notice stating that 14 e-cigarette manufacturers and importers have been suspended from operating because they failed to affix packaging with health warning labels on their products.

Philippine DTI Suspends Operations of 14 E-Cigarette Companies
The Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines has temporarily suspended the business permits of 14 e-cigarette manufacturers and importers. | Image source: DTI official website


These companies violated Section 4(d) of RA11900, which requires companies to comply with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) financial identification regulations. Violation of these regulations will result in penalties. The first offense carries a fine of 2 million pesos (35,000 USD) and a two-year imprisonment; the second offense carries a fine of 4 million pesos (70,000 USD) and a four-year imprisonment; the third offense carries a fine of 5 million pesos (85,000 USD) and a six-year imprisonment, as well as revocation of business license.


The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has released a list of 14 e-cigarette manufacturers and importers that have been penalized: Shenzhen Nevoks Technology Co. Ltd. & 2229 Non Specialized Wholesale Trading; Mr. O's Liquido OPC; Sacredvapors Corporation; VIP Bros Incorporated; Zcrew International Inc. & Dongguan Air Technology Co. Ltd; VIP Bors Inc. trading as Pastry Vapors Vape Juice Manufacturing; Wang Dao Technology (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd. & Sky Rocket Philippines; Shenzhen Smug Vape Technology Co. Ltd. & Semba Trading Corp.; Steep and Drip Manufacturing Corp.; Viscosity Consumer Electronics Trading Corp.; and Wang Dao Technology (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd. & Wkd Ltd.


The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued Preliminary Orders (PO) or Preventive Measures Orders (PMO) to these companies, temporarily suspending their business operations related to the production, importation, distribution, sale, and promotion of nicotine aerosol products. This suspension decision will remain in effect until a final ruling is made.


The DTI reiterates that manufacturers and importers must comply with packaging requirements for e-cigarette products, including graphic health warnings and financial labeling. Failure to do so will result in legal and financial consequences for violators.


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