The Department of Trade and Industry has assured its commitment in the fight against selling of illicit vapor products and tobacco products sold on online platforms like Shopee, Lazada and Facebook Marketplace.
DTI made the pledge in response to a letter-appeal sent by the Philippine Medical Association.
The country’s most prominent medical group sent an appeal to Senator Pia Cayetano and other key government agencies which included the DTI, Department of Health, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Finance.
In their letter, the PMA expressed dismay over the proliferation of illicit cigarettes and vapes online.
“We are bedazzled why this non-compliant, unregistered, and possibly non-tax paid tobacco and vapor products are allowed to be openly advertised, sold and distributed in the local market, especially online,” the PMA said.
Constant dialogue vowed
Highlighting their efforts against the rampant sale of illicit products on e-retailer platforms, the DTI said that it is in “constant dialogue” with Lazada, Shopee, and other similar selling platforms in order to “strictly screen and police online sellers that are selling regulated, restricted and prohibited items.”
The DTI stressed that it was in constant coordination with relevant agencies such as the DOH, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue to implement RA 11900 or the Vape Law and its attendant implementing rules and regulations.
The trade agency noted that high-level representatives of the e-commerce platforms in question gave their “utmost commitment to comply” when they met with the Consumer Protection Group in March.
Further, the agency continues to issue notices of violation and show cause orders to online and offline sellers found in violation of laws as part of its regular monitoring and enforcement efforts.
Shopee reported the removal of more than 1 million prohibited vape listings from its website a day after the DTI meeting.
As of writing, non-compliant vape products appearing to be unregistered can still be found on the Lazada and Shopee platforms. The products do not have the requisite Philippine graphic health warnings and are sold below the suggested retail value.
In its letter, the PMA expressed alarm at illicit and unregistered tobacco and vape products dodging regulatory oversight and thus endangering the public.
According to the PMA, raising the issue on illicit tobacco and vapor products and ensuring full implementation of tax and regulatory laws is crucial to protect the government’s and the public’s interest.
“There is no way to verify if the products sold are registered and paid the correct taxes… since they do not bear the internal revenue stamps nor the required packaging or labeling requirements,” the doctors’ group added.