Report Philippine Crackdown: E-Commerce Firms Face Vape Ban

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Inquirer

 

In a decisive move to protect consumers, the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has given e-commerce platforms a strict seven-day deadline to remove illegal product listings, particularly targeting vape products that breach existing laws. Failure to comply could lead to significant sanctions.

 

During a recent Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, Director Eryl Royce Nagtalon, the acting head of the DTI E-Commerce Bureau, highlighted the escalating issue of illicit vape sales online. This directive aims to clamp down on these controversial products and prevent their spread across digital markets.

 

Supporting Nagtalon's stance, Atty. Frediswenda Benas, head of the Compliance Division, revealed that over the past two years, around 92,000 vape product listings have come under the department's scrutiny. Many of these products were seized either from digital platforms or physical locations as part of ongoing efforts.

 

To enforce compliance, the DTI has issued formal notices to online platforms, reminding them of the newly imposed seven-day window for removal. To ensure these mandates are adhered to, monitoring teams are actively conducting spot checks across platforms.

 

“Monitoring is ongoing,” Nagtalon stated firmly, hinting at further legal actions if companies fail to meet the deadline. The DTI is prepared to invoke the Consumer Act, the Internet Transactions Act (ITA), and other relevant laws to enforce compliance.

 

Digital platforms that permit the sale of illegal vape products may find themselves "solidarily liable." Under Republic Act No. 11967 or the ITA, failure to comply could lead to penalties such as administrative fines, blacklisting, or even takedown orders.

 

To bolster this initiative, the DTI is working closely with the Department of Health and the Bureau of Internal Revenue. This collaboration aims to tighten law enforcement and curtail the circulation of unregulated vape products effectively.

 

The concerted effort underscores the Philippine government's commitment to consumer safety and regulatory compliance in the rapidly evolving digital marketplace. With the deadline looming, e-commerce platforms are poised to face significant consequences if they fail to act swiftly.

 

As these measures take effect, the digital space in the Philippines might see a marked decrease in the availability of illegal vape products, contributing to a safer shopping environment for all. The government's vigilance signals a stern warning to offenders: ignoring consumer laws will come at a price.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Inquirer 2025-08-19