Big news from the Philippines! As the country steps up its regulations on vaping, 10 companies have already earned their spot on the approved list for 2024. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), led by Secretary Christina Lopez, is making sure the vaping industry plays by the rules, and it’s no small feat.
Setting the Standard
At a recent press conference, Lopez shared that these certified companies aren’t just random names in the vape scene—they’ve passed the strict standards set by the Office for Special Authorization of Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products, their Devices, and Novel Tobacco Products (OSMV). Yes, it’s a mouthful, but it’s also the backbone of ensuring safer vaping products in the market.
This all ties back to a big decision earlier in the year. On June 5, the DTI declared that starting January 2025, every vape product sold in the Philippines must be certified and registered. Translation: no Philippine Standards (PS) mark or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) label? No sales.
Raising the Bar for Vaping
“Our goal is to ensure that all vape-related businesses comply with the regulations and register with us,” Lopez said. And she’s not kidding—most of the registered products so far are imports, showing just how much the Philippines relies on international supply for its growing vaping market.
The strict enforcement comes under Republic Act 11900, also known as the Vape Law. It requires manufacturers and importers of heated tobacco pods, heated tobacco devices, vape cartridges, and other innovative tobacco products to register with the DTI. The aim? To ensure everything meets government standards before it lands in consumers’ hands.
What Happens If You Don’t Play by the Rules?
Here’s the kicker: any product that doesn’t meet the regulations or lacks proper registration could face serious consequences. Think immediate recalls, bans, or even seizures. The message is clear—if you want to play in the Philippine vape market, you’d better follow the rules.
Health Warnings and Quality Assurance
Only products that meet the DTI’s standards and include necessary health warnings can be sold, promoted, or distributed in the country. This means no shortcuts, no excuses, and definitely no subpar products slipping through the cracks.
The Bigger Picture
This move by the Philippines is part of a broader effort to regulate vaping and ensure that consumers have access to safe and high-quality products. By holding companies accountable and prioritizing health and safety, the DTI is setting a precedent for how vaping can be responsibly managed in a fast-growing market.
As we approach 2025, all eyes will be on how these new regulations shape the industry. One thing’s for sure: the vaping game in the Philippines just got a lot more serious.
