Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual announced on Friday a temporary suspension on the sale, advertising, and distribution of vape products online. This move aims to tighten government regulations on an industry that has faced significant opposition from the health community.
“This is a temporary suspension until the e-marketplaces are able to convince us of their compliance with their obligations under Republic Act No. 11900, or the vape law, and other laws and related issuances,” Pascual said during a roundtable discussion in Makati.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issued the suspension to prevent the sale of vape products to minors and to ensure compliance with safety standards. The directive, detailed in Department Order No. 24-03, is effective immediately.
Vape companies and e-market operators are required to submit a sworn certification of their full compliance with the vape law to resume sales.
DTI Undersecretary Amanda Marie Nograles highlighted that two e-market operators had already committed to delisting vape sellers from their platforms after a meeting on June 27. “They signified that to us through official letters and communication. But this is necessary because, what about the others?” Nograles said.
The DTI has monitored nearly 90,000 companies engaged in the vape business, including those online. Of these, 526 have received show-cause orders, and 284 have been issued notices of violation for various offenses such as selling vapes near schools and playgrounds, using ads or flavors designed to appeal to minors, or failing to post minimum-age signages.
So far this year, the DTI has confiscated P32.76 million worth of vape products for being sold without proper certifications, such as the Philippine Standard mark and the Import Commodity Clearance sticker.
In compliance with the Vape Act, which became law in July 2022, the department mandated the certification of vape products last month.