DTI steps up drive vs illegal vape

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it has intensified its campaign against illegal vape retailers, both physical and online stores, amid the proliferation of the use and sale of prohibited vape products with the confiscation of ₱3.5-million worth of items and more stores facing investigation.

DTI Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo, at the “Laging Handa” (Always Ready) public briefing, has warned manufacturers and retailers to comply with Republic Act 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act to avoid penalty, or worst business closures.

“We have intensified our campaign nationwide including the provinces because we have the Fair Trade and Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) in all DTI offices so they won’t miss them. We have FTEB teams whose job is just to monitor vape retailers,” she said.

Manufacturers and retailers alike face huge fines that could lead to closure of establishments.

“So, if they want to continue with their business, just follow the law,” she said.

So far, the DTI has issued Notice of Violations to 21,708 online retailers and 516 physical stores in Metro Manila alone.

The volume of confiscated vape products from these stores was estimated at ₱3.5 million since the agency started implementing the VAPE Law in December last year. Aside from confiscation, some stores already closed their operation.

“Comply with the law,” Castelo appealed, as she explained that it is not good for the economy if there are several stores closing because of violation of the law as this would have adverse impact, especially on jobs.

“We are not happy if there are many violations because we don’t want these stores to close and lose business,” he said.

She noted that if retailers with capitalization of ₱300,000 to ₱500,000 and are facing a penalty of ₱2 million, they cannot sustain the operation and have no other option but to fold up and lose business.

She explained that the intent of the VAPE law is to help those already smoking because these are “cessation devices” and to save the youth from adapting the habit of smoking.

Thus, she said, the law is very clear against the sale of vape products that would make them attractive to the youth like the use of attractive packaging and product descriptors, and tempting flavored vape items that would attract the curious minors.

Minors face a penalty of ₱10,000 while the retailer or stores face penalty and other fines. For those selling within 100 meters from school perimeter, they face a penalty of ₱100,000 for the first offense, and those with no health warning, a fine starting at ₱2 million.

Aside from the fines, minors also face jail time and they would be placed under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Castelo also said the DTI has not discussed a potential total ban of the vape products because it is also an industry and a legitimate one if they follow the law.

Aside from intensifying its campaign, the DTI also partnered with other government agencies – the Department of Transportation, Department of Education, and Department of Public Works and Highways – for the advocacy materials to be placed in public places.

The DTI also continues with its consumer care seminar to educate minors and prevent them from starting to use vape.