Retailers, distributors, wholesalers, and traders of vape products in the Philippines are allowed to sell their remaining inventories of uncertified vape products until September 7, 2024. This deadline is set by the Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS).
According to Leah Ann Arella, Chief of the Standards Conformity Division at DTI-BPS, this period allows businesses to register their remaining inventories. Starting September 8, 2024, any vape products in the market that lack proper certification will be confiscated.
Certification Requirements
Certified vape products must display specific marks to prove their compliance:
- Manufacturers: Must have a PS license mark, which includes a unique license number.
- Importers: Must have an Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) mark for each shipment. These products are tested, and if they pass, an ICC sticker is issued.
Transition Period and Enforcement
The deadline for selling uncertified vape products follows the Department Administrative Order (DAO) 24-02. This order allows retailers to sell their remaining inventories within 90 days of the order’s effectivity. After this period, only products with a valid PS Mark or ICC sticker can be sold, offered for sale, or distributed in the local market.
Originally, the market clearing process for unregistered or uncertified vape products was scheduled for January 2025. However, DTI-Consumer Protection Group Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles confirmed that the new deadline is now September 7, 2024. “No more January 2025 deadline. September 7, 2024, is the new deadline,” Nograles stated in a recent message to the BusinessMirror.
Recent Enforcement Actions
Earlier this month, the DTI reported seizing P25.87 million worth of illegal vape products in the first five months of 2024. This amount significantly surpasses the P5.45 million worth of illegal vape products confiscated in the entire year of 2023. Most of the confiscated products violated Republic Act (RA) No. 11900, also known as the Vape Law, which prohibits the sale of vape products that appeal to minors through packaging, labeling, or marketing.
Mandatory Registration
As of June 5, 2024, mandatory registration for vape products is in effect. This means no vape products can enter the market without undergoing the DTI registration process. Nograles explained that this involves obtaining a PS license for products from the factory of origin or an ICC for each importation. These are the two main modes of entry for vape products into the market.
Conclusion
The DTI-BPS is committed to ensuring the safety and compliance of vape products in the Philippines. Retailers and other stakeholders must adhere to the September 7, 2024, deadline for selling uncertified vape products and ensure all products are properly registered and certified to avoid confiscation and penalties.
