Almost P300,000 worth of illegal vape products seized in Valenzuela City
THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) has seized almost P300,000 worth of prohibited vape products following an enforcement operation in Valenzuela City.
In a statement on Thursday, the DTI said it confiscated 923 units of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products, and novel tobacco products worth P255,940 following a “focused enforcement operation” that involved seven vape stores.
According to the DTI, three non-conforming shops were issued notices of violation and were instructed to submit a written explanation within 48 hours from receipt of the notices of violation.
The Valenzuela City government also issued closure orders against two vape stores for operating without a business permit.
As of May 2, the DTI-Fair Trade and Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) enforcement teams have monitored 427 physical vape stores. Of the total, 139 firms were deemed compliant, while 171 firms were issued show cause orders and notices of violation, and 117 were either closed or no longer selling vape products.
The DTI-FTEB also monitored 17,828 online vape stores, of which only 93 were found compliant with regulations provided under Republic Act No. 11900 or Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.
“Through the combined efforts of the on-the-ground and online enforcement teams, there are already 57 formal charges filed against violators,” the agency said.
Aside from vape products, the DTI-FTEB said it has monitored 1,078 firms and has sealed 22,286 units of various uncertified consumer products worth P10.55 million from January to April. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave
