FILE

In a move to keep consumers safe, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has pulled the plug on 14 manufacturers and importers of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products. Why? They failed to meet the strict packaging and health warning standards set by the "Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act" (RA11900).

These companies found themselves in hot water for not following the rules laid out in Section 4(d) of RA11900, which requires them to comply with the internal revenue fiscal marking requirements of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). It's not just a slap on the wrist either. Non-compliance comes with some pretty hefty penalties:

• 1st Offense: A fine of Php 2,000,000 and up to 2 years in prison.

• 2nd Offense: A Php 4,000,000 fine and up to 4 years in prison.

• 3rd Offense: A whopping Php 5,000,000 fine, up to 6 years in prison, and the loss of business permits and licenses.

For now, the companies have been handed a Preliminary Order (PO) or Preventive Measure Order (PMO), effectively suspending their ability to manufacture, import, distribute, sell, or promote any of their vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products until a final decision is made.

DTI is urging all manufacturers and importers to stick to the rules, which include clear packaging with graphic health warnings and proper fiscal markings. The message is clear: play by the rules or face the consequences under RA11900.

Consumers are also being called to action. The Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products (OSMV) is encouraging everyone to report any dodgy dealings or products that don’t meet the standards. Spot something fishy? You can contact the DTI Consumer Care Hotline at 1-384 or email consumercare@dti.gov.ph. For more specific vape-related concerns, reach out to osmv@dti.gov.ph or visit DTI’s official site.