DTI stops sale of 11 vape brands over packaging violations
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MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has suspended the sale, manufacture, and distribution of 11 vape brands for failing to comply with packaging requirements mandated by law.
According to the DTI, a preliminary order was issued to the vape brands’ manufacturers and importers, suspending them from “manufacturing, importing, distributing, selling, and promoting all of their vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products.”
“The preliminary order is valid and effective until a decision on the formal charge is rendered and/or becomes final,” the DTI said in a statement on Wednesday.
The following are the suspended vape brands, manufacturers, and importers, according to the DTI:
- Boss Nevoks Bar (Shenzhen Nevoks Technology Co., Ltd. & 2229 Non Specialized Wholesale Trading)
- Classico (Mr. O’s Liquido Opc)
- Juliette (Sacredvapors Corporation)
- Kingz Evo (VIP Bros Incorporated)
- Lost Mary (ZCrew International Inc. & Dongguan Airv Technology Co., Ltd)
- Pastry Vapors (VIP Bros Incorporated, doing business under the name and style of Pastry Vapors Vape Juice Manufacturing)
- Sky Rocket Elite (Wang Dao Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. & Sky Rocket Philippines)
- Smug (Shenzhen Smug Vape Technology Co., Ltd. & Semba Trading Corporation)
- Steep N’ Drip Dripbar (Steep and Drip Manufacturing Corp.)
- Viscocity (Viscocity Consumer Electronics Trading Corporation)
- Wicked (Wang Dao Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. & WKD Ltd.)
These brands and companies violated Section 4(d) of Republic Act (RA) No. 11900, more commonly known as the Vape Law, which mandates fiscal marking and proper packaging for vape products manufactured or imported in the Philippines.
The DTI reminded vape manufacturers and importers to comply with packaging regulations, including graphic health warnings and fiscal markings.
It added that violators are subject to the following penalties under RA 11900:
- First offense: P2 million fine and two years of imprisonment
- Second offense: P4 million fine and four years of imprisonment
- Third offense: P5 million fine, six years of imprisonment, and revocation of business permits and licenses
