The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Fair-Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) seized Vape Units worth PhP302,300.00 through focused enforcement operations in Quezon City on March 14, 2024.

The enhanced monitoring led by the DTI-FTEB Director Atty. Fhillip D. Sawali revealed that out of the 20 monitored retail firms, 7 non-compliant firms were issued with Notice of Violation (NOV), mandating them to submit an explanation within 48 hours from the receipt of notice.

Vape shops were found violating provisions of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 11900 or the “Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act” by selling vapor products appealing to minors, such as the presence of fruit animations, candy brand, dessert flavors; and packaging that features cartoon characters, and the sale and promotion of the said products within one hundred(100) meters from any point of perimeter of a school, playground, or other facility frequented by minors.

Director Sawali reiterated that the continuous enforcement operations signify a strong warning to violators that the DTI FTEB will always follow strict implementation of the Vape Law to protect citizens, especially minors, from any potential hazards.

Since implementation, the FTEB monitoring team inspected a total of 79,515 firms, which resulted to the confiscation of 18,526 vape products worth PhP5,559,607.00. This resulted to the issuance of 212 Notices of Violation (NOV) and 473 Show Cause Orders (SCOs).

Meanwhile, RA 11900 vests the regulatory jurisdiction over vapes and other novel tobacco products to the DTI and complementary implementing roles to DOH, FDA, DSWD, DEPED, BIR and LGUs.

The DTI urges the consumers to report violators of retailers, distributors, and manufacturers that sell uncertified items through the Consumer Care Hotline at DTI (1-384) or consumercare@dti.gov.ph. ♦

Date of release: 26 March 2024

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