Most vape brands sold in Philippines remain unregistered — DTI
The DTI reports 93% of vape brands in the Philippines are unregistered, prompting calls for unified excise tax rates.Summary
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) revealed that 93% of the 313 vape brands in the market are unregistered, with only 18 currently compliant. Assistant Secretary Marcus Valdez II noted that while the DTI granted time for compliance, many sellers ignored the requirement and continued operating illicitly. During a House Committee hearing, lawmakers highlighted that high and uneven excise tax rates are the primary reason for the lack of registration, particularly for nicotine salt products. The committee, including Rep. Miro Quimbo, supported the move to harmonize tax rates to plug tax leakage and discourage illicit trade. The Department of Finance, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and Bureau of Customs agreed to move toward a single excise tax rate. Enforcement actions have intensified, with the BIR recording 6,196 activities generating P1.7 billion in taxes and the BOC seizing P10 billion worth of tobacco in 2026. The discussion emphasized the need to balance revenue generation with discouraging illicit markets, as over-taxing could push consumers to smuggled goods.
(Source：Philstar.com)
