By Jigger Jerusalem

ALARMED over the adverse effects it has on human health, Pinoy Aksyon for Governance and the Environment (Pinoy Aksyon), a consumer protection and good governance advocacy group, has warned consumers, especially young people, against the purchase of illegal vaporized nicotine products.

Pinoy Aksyon has been prompted by recent reports of deaths and illnesses arising from the use of illegal vape products through unregistered vape distributors in the country. The consumer watchdog also urged sellers to be responsible and adhere to the provisions of the Vape Law or Republic Act 11900, requiring all manufacturers, importers, and retailers to register with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“It’s about time that consumers and especially sellers of illegal vapes take the law seriously since this is a life and death situation. We laud the efforts of various government agencies that are intensifying the fight against illegal vape products and we are throwing our full support behind their efforts,” Pinoy Aksyon said in a statement.

Reports reveal that in 2024 alone, DTI has already confiscated P25 million worth of illegal vape products, a sharp rise from the total of P5 million worth in 2023. Among the confiscated brands is the recently suspended company, Flava Corporation.

The government agency’s intensified crackdown on unregistered vape products is set to begin in September this year. To help combat this problem, Pinoy Aksyon urged the public to verify the authenticity of vape products before purchasing by looking for the DTI’s Philippine Standard (PS) or product safety mark. All vape products must also have an Internal Revenue stamp, as mandated by a memorandum issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) earlier this year.

Moreover, the packaging design should incorporate visual and textual health warnings in compliance with R.A. 11900 and Republic Act No. 10646, also as “The Graphic Health Warnings Law.” Finally, the sale and marketing of nicotine products to citizens below the age of 18 is strictly prohibited in the Philippines.

The vast majority of the illegal goods seized by DTI this year were sold within 100 meters of an elementary or high school, playground, and other facilities frequented by minors. “The unabated proliferation of illegal vape products in the country damages the government’s national health agenda of curbing tobacco use and its alternatives, especially among the youth, since it allows easier access to cheap and sub-standard products,” Pinoy Aksyon warned.