Big news for the e-cigarette and heated tobacco industry—seven e-cigarette brands and six heated tobacco brands have officially secured licenses to enter the Philippine market. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently unveiled the list of companies that have met the Philippine Standards (PS) certification requirements, marking a major milestone for these brands in one of Southeast Asia’s growing markets.
Who Made the Cut?
Among the e-cigarette brands approved for market access are:
- X-VAPE
- TOMORO
- VAGEND
- PHANTOM VAPE
- RELX
- ONE BAR
- KLIQ, TRUEZ & DON BARS
For heated tobacco, the following brands have been given the green light:
- HUNN
- TEREA & HEETS
- BLENDS
- BONDS BY IQOS
- TEREA
- IQOS
However, not all brands are in the clear—two e-cigarette brands, CHILLAX and SHFT, have had their licenses temporarily suspended.
What Does This Mean for the Industry?
This announcement follows a push by the Philippine government to tighten regulations on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Starting January 2025, all new tobacco products entering the market must meet stringent certification and registration requirements. Products without the official Philippine Standards (PS) mark are now banned from being imported, manufactured, or sold in the country.
Companies that fail to comply face serious consequences, including product recalls, sales bans, or even having their products seized. It’s a clear signal that the DTI is serious about ensuring only certified, high-quality products are available to Filipino consumers.
A Growing Market Under Watchful Eyes
Back in December 2024, Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque revealed that about 10 companies had already registered their new tobacco products with the department. This registration is now mandatory for any business looking to enter the Philippine market, which is known for its rising interest in alternative tobacco products like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco devices.
With these regulations, the Philippines joins a growing number of countries prioritizing consumer safety and quality standards in the rapidly expanding vaping and tobacco alternatives sector.
Why It Matters
The certification process is more than just a formality—it’s about ensuring that Filipino consumers have access to safe, regulated products. By implementing these strict measures, the government aims to eliminate substandard goods and create a more trustworthy market for both e-cigarette and heated tobacco users.
For brands like RELX and ONE BAR, gaining access to the Philippine market under these conditions is a testament to their commitment to meeting high standards. But for companies whose licenses have been suspended or products are non-compliant, it’s a wake-up call to step up their game.
What’s Next?
With the new rules officially in place, the Philippine e-cigarette and heated tobacco market is entering a new era of regulation and oversight. For consumers, this means safer, better-quality options. For manufacturers, it’s a reminder that meeting regulatory standards is no longer optional—it’s essential.
As more brands navigate these new requirements, it will be interesting to see how the market evolves. One thing is clear: the Philippines is setting the bar high, and the industry is taking note.
Stay tuned as the story develops and more brands aim to make their mark in this regulated landscape!
