DTI Issues Over 20,000 Violation Notices for Online Vape Product Sales That Are Prohibited

 

Photo by Renz Macorol

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has taken action against online retailers involved in the illegal sale of banned vape products, issuing more than 20,000 notices of violation. DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo announced during a PTV public briefing that the department has been closely monitoring online sellers to identify those who are selling prohibited vape items.

Castelo stated, "We are monitoring all online sellers. Our Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau has dedicated teams or units that diligently monitor online stores, including those selling vape products. We have already initiated legal proceedings against some violators, serving them with notices of violation. They are required to respond to the DTI, failing which their cases will proceed until penalties are imposed."

We have notified almost 22,000 online retailers, including both individual merchants and platforms, of the infraction, and they must appear before the DTI and provide their defense and representation, if any.

The DTI has shut down many businesses that sold illegal vape goods in addition to issuing violation letters and seizing around P3.5 million worth of them.

Earlier, the DTI confiscated flavored vape products, which are prohibited in the market, from a store in Sampaloc, Manila. These products, featuring colorful packaging and flavors such as strawberry ice cream or watermelon bubble sugar, contravene the regulations outlined in Republic Act 11900, also known as the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-nicotine Regulation Act.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has also promised to take action against young people who vape or smoke near schools. They have made it clear that they are concentrating on pupils who smoke or vape, especially those who are underage, and they will manage these situations in accordance with the law and municipal rules.