Gov’t to expand vape testing capability

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is seeking about P170 million in government funding to build more or expand the current capability of testing facilities for vape products in the Philippine market.

Trade Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles told reporters in a recent interview that the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS), one of their attached agencies, has a laboratory in Cavite that can handle the testing of vape device and batteries.

“For the consumables, if we don’t have a facility or equipment for that, we accept submissions of results from accredited laboratories,” Nograles said during a roundtable discussion.

She said that by June, uncertified vape or heated tobacco products that have not undergone product certification will no longer be allowed to enter the Philippines.

READ: VAPE: FLAWS IN LAW WORSENING YOUTH ‘VAPEDEMIC’

“When January 2025 comes, we will look at the products circulating in the market. If those still do not have product registration or certification, those will be subject to confiscation,” Nograles said, adding that the approach is to just wait for the supply of the uncertified products to run out.

Vape Act

Republic Act No. 11900, more commonly known as the Vape Act, lapsed into law in July of 2022 while its implementing rules and regulations were released in December of the same year.

Under the law, the government regulates the importation, manufacture, sale, packaging, distribution, use and communication of these devices and products.

The DTI was given the authority to certify the devices while the responsibility of regulating the consumables will be a joint responsibility with the Food and Drug Administration.

READ: Vape law to regulate new products, save adult smokers and protect minors — advocates

Asked whether they support the position of the Department of Health to ban disposable vape products in the local market, Nograles said that they are still studying the measure to ensure that consumers are protected.

“The issue with disposable vapes is the device includes the actual product into one whole system and that is not divisible into the actual vape device and the consumable,” Nograles said.

“It’s harmful because: how do you test the effects of the consumable? How can we know if it is safe for consumers?”