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View allAlternative tobacco and nicotine products in Philippines
News analysis
Global business and regulatory news covering the alternative tobacco industry
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Alerts
Daily regulatory updates of the tobacco alternative sector. It includes weekly podcasts and monthly compilations
26th September 2023
Philippines: On 13th September the Bureau of Internal Revenue published an updated list of registered importers of heated tobacco and novel tobacco products. According to the authority, they must register their brands within six months of the issuance of the list to avoid penalties for non-compliance.8th August 2023
Philippines: The Bureau of Internal Revenue has issued a circular clarifying policies and guidelines on raw materials, apparatus and equipment used in the manufacture of heated tobacco products and e-liquids. Importers and manufacturers must apply for a permit to operate, and clearance for every importation must also be applied for.
3rd August 2023
Philippines: The Department of Trade and Industry has urged producers to make the Philippines a manufacturing hub for heated tobacco products (HTPs), due to the growing demand in the country. Deputy minister Ceferino Rodolfo said a significant increase in local demand for heated tobacco is expected over the next few years and that manufacturers can benefit from zero duty under free trade agreements with some countries.
22nd May 2023
- Philippines: The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has issued a circular with the updated list of importers of heated tobacco and novel tobacco products, and their corresponding brands.
9th May 2023
Philippines: The Bureau of Internal Revenue has updated price controls on heated tobacco products. A pack of 20 sticks now has a floor price of PHP120.40 ($2.16), taking into account excise duty, VAT and reasonable production costs.
27th March 2023
- Philippines: Last week, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued Revenue Memorandum Circular 35-2023, clarifying that the application of the 18-month transition period provided in the Vape Law (Republic Act 11900) is only for the provisions of product standards and product registration with the Bureau of Philippine Standards. The remaining provisions – such as registration of manufacturers, importers and brands with the BIR – are therefore effective. At the same time, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an advisory notice informing industry members that the issuing of the licence to operate (LTO) and the product batch declaration (PBD) certification for vaping and heated tobacco product establishments has stopped as they are no longer required.
6th March 2023
Philippines: The Department of Trade and Industry’s Consumer Protection Group has warned all e-commerce platforms to comply with vaping and heated tobacco regulation, or risk facing intensified monitoring and enforcement. It follows an increase in the number of online retailers found to be selling non-compliant products, such as products without the required health warnings or with flavour descriptors.
22nd February 2023
Philippines: The Department of Health and Industry announced today that it was stepping up enforcement of regulations governing vaping, heated tobacco and other novel tobacco products. The department has issued violation notices to establishments selling non-compliant products with illegal markings or characters such as cartoons and youth influencers, and names suggesting flavours. Press reports that the agency confiscated over PHP860,000 ($15,600) worth of e-cigarettes and novel tobacco products.
25th January 2023
- Philippines: Health advocacy groups have expressed their support for House Bill 5532, which aims to raise taxes on heated tobacco products, press reports. The bill was presented by representative Joey Salceda of the majority bloc Lakas-CMD party and proposes an increase to PHP40 ($0.73) per pack of 20 units, with a 5% increase in the subsequent year. The bill is pending in the Ways and Means Committee.
16th January 2023
- Philippines: Following seizures of smuggled and untaxed products, the Bureau of International Revenue (BIR) has called on all distributors and sellers of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and novel tobacco products to comply with the business registration requirements and tax obligations specified in BIR Revenue Regulations 14-2022 and DTI Department Administrative Order 22-16. Among the requirements is the obligation for sellers and distributors of products via e-commerce and internet websites to be registered with the competent authorities.
10th January 2023
- Philippines: As of 1st January 2023, heated tobacco tax increased to PHP32.50 ($0.59) per pack of 20 units.
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