• The Department of Trade and Industry suspended 14 vape manufacturers and importers in violation of Republic Act No. 11900 (Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act)
• Penalties range from a P2 million to P5 million fine plus two to five years of imprisonment
• The suspended entities received preliminary or preventive measure orders and prohibited manufacturing, importing, distributing, selling, and promoting their products until a formal decision is rendered
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has suspended 14 vape manufacturers and importers, citing violations of Republic Act (RA) No. 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.
The companies failed to meet the packaging requirements, including the inclusion of graphic health warnings, DTI said in a statement. The violations also involve non-compliance with Section 4(d) of RA No. 11900, which mandates adherence to internal revenue fiscal marking requirements prescribed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
Under Section 23 of RA No. 11900, penalties for non-compliance are as follows:
• 1st offense: P2 million fine and imprisonment of 2 years.
• 2nd offense: P4 million fine and imprisonment of 4 years.
• 3rd offense: P5 million fine, imprisonment of 6 years, and revocation of business permits and licenses.
The suspended manufacturers and importers are:
• Shenzhen Nevoks Technology Co., Ltd & 2229 Non Specialized Wholesale Trading
• Mr. O’s Liquido OPC
• Sacredvapors Corporation
• VIP Bros Incorporated
• ZCrew International Inc. & Dongguan Airv Technology Co., Ltd
• VIP Bros Incorporated, doing business under the name and style of Pastry Vapors Vape Juice Manufacturing
• Wang Dao Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd & Sky Rocket Philippines
• Shenzhen Smug Vape Technology Co., Ltd & Semba Trading Corporation
• Steep and Drip Manufacturing Corp.
• Viscocity Consumer Electronics Trading Corporation
• Wang Dao Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd & WKD Ltd
The suspended manufacturers and importers have been issued a Preliminary Order or a Preventive Measure Order, effectively halting their operations, including manufacturing, importing, distributing, selling, and promoting their products. These measures remain in effect until a decision on the formal charge is rendered or becomes final.
Earlier, DTI required all importers and manufacturers to secure a valid Philippine Standard (PS) License for Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products covered under DAO No. 22–06 (2022), DAO No. 24–02 (2024), and DAO No. 24–11 (2024), by 31 December 2024.
This applies to products sold on online platforms, digital marketplaces, and physical stores.
Manufacturers, importers, and distributors failing to meet the certification deadline is in violation of Section 18 of RA11900, which ensures product safety, consistency, and quality. Section 19 provides that only duly registered Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products, and their Devices, or Novel Tobacco Products are allowed to be sold, advertised, or distributed through whatever means.
READ: BOC haul of smuggled vape products hits P5.070B from Jan-Oct
