DTI rebukes 2 vape brands

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The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Tuesday disputed statements from vape brands FLARE and SHFT claiming full compliance with regulations, declaring that their products were not authorized to be sold to the local market.

The DTI “firmly disputes misleading social media posts” from the two brands, the agency said, as it criticized the improper sharing of photos of its staff.

READ: PH should join other SEA nations in banning vapes, group says

“These posts misrepresent the department’s role and violate consumer protection laws, including Republic Act No. 7394, or The Consumer Act of the Philippines, which prohibits false, deceptive, or misleading advertisements,” the DTI said in a statement.

The government agency also cited Department Administrative Order No. 02, Series of 2007, wherein false, misleading information, or concealing material facts is also prohibited.

Licensees

The DTI added that the only brands with valid Philippine Standard (PS) licenses that were authorized to sell to the Philippine market were DON BARS, KLIQ, ONE BAR, PHANTOM VAPE, RELX, TOMORO, TRUEZ, VAGEND and X-VAPE.

“The DTI urges vape businesses to secure and maintain valid PS Licenses to ensure that products meet safety and quality requirements before being distributed. Noncompliance will result in penalties or suspension of trading,” said the DTI.

The Vape Act lapsed into law in July 2022, while its implementing rules and regulations were released in December 2022. INQ