According to Business Mirror on July 24, the House Committee on Ways and Means has passed an unnumbered substitute bill aimed at banning the online sale of tobacco products to combat their illegal trade.
In approving the bill, committee chairman Joey Sarte Salceda said that only products registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) can be sold on the digital market, and only after these agencies publish the corresponding lists.
“By default, pursuant to Republic Act (RA) 9211, which prohibits tobacco advertising in mass media such as the Internet, by default, the sale of tobacco, vapes and other nicotine products online is not allowed.”
He also added: “Only brands on the list of registered brands published by the BIR and DTI will be allowed to enter the online market.”
Previously, the House Committee on Taxation approved its committee report on House Bill 10329, Salceda’s bill on illegal trade.
“We have lost P221 billion in revenue over the past four years due to the illegal trade of tobacco products. We must stop this loss.”
In addition to prohibiting the online sale of tobacco and other nicotine products, the bill contains several key features aimed at combating illegal trade.
These features include the mandatory use of a track and trace system that requires the use of secure digital markings with unique identifiers on tobacco products, as well as mandatory registration within 30 days of acquisition or disposal of tobacco manufacturing equipment.
The bill also outlines the responsibilities of digital platforms to ensure that illegal covered products are not on their platforms.
The bill rationalizes prohibited acts that fall under the crime of illegal trade of covered products by excluding acts already covered by the National Internal Revenue Code (revised), the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and other special laws.
The bill gives the BIR, through the National Telecommunications Commission, the authority to remove listings of illegal products on digital platforms.
The bill also outlines procedures for the custody and handling of seized, impounded, or surrendered products to establish a proper chain of custody.
Salceda expects the House Appropriations Committee to approve the fiscal provisions of the measure in August this year so that the bill can be approved by the House before the candidate qualification application period in October.
Veehoo vape Company expressed its concern about the bill passed by the Philippine House of Representatives to ban the online sale of nicotine products such as vapes. The purpose of this bill is to combat illegal trade, protect consumer interests and regulate market order, which is in line with the compliance principle that Veehoo has always advocated.
Veehoo vape has always been committed to providing high-quality, safe and reliable vape products. We firmly believe that the health and rights of consumers are of paramount importance. Therefore, we welcome the strict requirements of this bill, including the provision that only products registered with relevant institutions can be sold on the digital market. This will help ensure that the products sold meet safety standards, thereby protecting the rights and health of consumers.
In addition, the bill requires the use of tracking and tracing systems and responsible supervision measures of digital platforms, which further demonstrates the severe crackdown on illegal trade. As a company that adheres to the principles of integrity and compliance, Veehoo vape will actively cooperate with the regulatory requirements of relevant departments to ensure the legality and compliance of the company’s products and strictly enforce laws and regulations.
The passage of this bill is to maintain the order and healthy development of the Philippine market. Veehoo vape will continue to work closely with relevant agencies to jointly promote the healthy development of the vape industry. We firmly believe that through cooperation and compliance with regulations, we can ensure that consumers have access to safe and reliable vape products, while curbing the spread of illegal trade and contributing to the sustainable development of the entire industry.
Tags: Philippines bans online sales of vapes，Philippine House of Representatives Committee，veehoo vape