DTI allows online sale, advertising of vape, novel tobacco; buyers must register

The Department of Trade and Industry has allowed the online sale and distribution of vape products, their devices, and novel tobacco products on the condition that the online platforms ensure the denial of access to persons below 18 years old.

According to Department Administrative Order No. 25-04, consumers of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products, their devices, and novel tobacco products shall be required to register with the website, e-commerce, and similar platforms before they can access the web, mobile site, application, and advertisements of the said products.

"A measure denying access to individuals below 18 years of age or an age-gating measure shall be considered effective if the individual below 18 years of age cannot access and/or purchase from an internet website, e-commerce and/or other similar media platform that sells, distributes, or advertises vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products, their devices and novel tobacco products at any given time and without any assistance from another who is 18 years or older," the order read.

The DTI in July 2024 through Department Administrative Order No. 24-03 issued by then-Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual ordered e-marketplace operators to suspend the online sale, distribution, and advertising of vapor products and devices until such time that they instituted adequate and effective measures to ensure compliance with the proof-of-age verification and all other legal requirements.

The DTI said the online selling of vape products and devices would only be allowed if the e-marketplace “is able to demonstrate, to the satisfaction of DTI, that it has instituted adequate and effective measures to ensure that its e-marketplace(s) and online merchants are in full compliance with the proof-of-age verification and all other mandatory legal requirements under RA 11900, RA 11967 (Internet Transactions Act or RA 11967), RA 7394, and other relevant laws and regulations.”

Doctors alarmed by vape use

Doctors and health groups have aired their objections to vape use, saying that the vape industry is "aggressively" marketing the product, particularly to young people, by means including distributing free vape products in bars and clubs.

Data analyzed by the Sin Tax Coalition from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) revealed that in 2021, around 37,513 Filipino youth used vapes. By 2023, this number surged to 423,185—a 1,100% increase.

Brands also present vape as a healthier alternative to smoking, but health professionals point to e-cigarette or vape-associated lung injury (EVALI), a medical condition causing lung damage from substances contained in vaping products; nicotine addiction; and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Critics of vape use also cite a recent study that found 115,000 Filipinos die of diseases caused by alcohol, tobacco, and vaping every year, in addition to those who have developed disabilities and experienced reduced productivity as a result of these substances. –NB/BM, GMA Integrated News