DTI: 93% of vape brands found in market are unregistered
The Department of Trade and Industry reports that 93% of vape brands in the market are unregistered, raising concerns over illicit trade.Summary
During a House Committee hearing, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) revealed that 292 out of 313 vape brands identified in the market are unregistered, representing 93%. DTI Assistant Secretary Marcus Valdez II noted that two registered brands, Shift and Chillax, face cancellation due to Customs reports. The hearing focused on excise taxes for tobacco and vapor products, with DTI supporting the unification of tax rates to address illicit trade. Lawmakers discussed the current two-tier system's role in tax leakage and considered international tax differentials. Enforcement agencies reported increased activities, with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) conducting 6,196 enforcement actions in 2026 and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) making significant seizures of illicit tobacco and vapor products.
(Source：Manila Bulletin)
