The Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued two new Department Administrative Orders (DAOs) to significantly tighten regulations on vape products, focusing on advertising that appeals to minors and reinforcing import controls to ensure product quality and safety.
DAO 25-09 strengthens the prohibition on using vape flavor descriptors in advertising, sales, and displays that could entice children. Under this order, any reference to fruits, candies, desserts, cartoon characters, or celebrities in marketing or packaging is presumed to be unduly appealing to minors and is therefore illegal. Violators face penalties under Republic Act No. 11900, which can include fines ranging from P5,000 to P5,000,000, possible imprisonment, and business permit revocation.
Concurrently, DAO 25-10 streamlines import regulations, mandating that only vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products, their devices, and novel tobacco products with a valid Philippine Standard (PS) license will be allowed entry into the country. This rule applies to all entry channels, including e-commerce, freeport zones, and duty-free shops, establishing a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to enforcement. The order aims to target illegal importation, regulatory evasion, and products containing illicit substances or those bypassing mandatory audits and testing.
These new orders build upon existing regulations, including mandatory product certification and age verification for online sales, as the DTI urges all manufacturers, importers, and retailers to comply with the strengthened framework.
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