By June 2024, the product registration and other related provisions of RA 11900 or the Vape Law will take effect. All importation and manufacturing of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products and novel tobacco products shall be required to undergo the DTI mandatory certification process prior to market distribution.
The DTI’s Online Monitoring Unit (OMU) has also intensified its online monitoring initiatives, with 93 online stores found to be compliant while 17,735 were non-compliant.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it has seized 9,695 units of uncertified vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products, and novel tobacco products worth P2,988,473 during its enforcement initiatives in NCR from Feb. 9 to April 26.
In a privilege speech delivered on Monday, Feb. 6, Sen. Pia Cayetano expressed alarm over the “attractive” designs and flavors of e-cigarette and vape products targeting the youth as the primary market.
The DepEd said at least 870,000 learners in the basic education sector and 1.1 million learners in senior high school will become legally allowed to be marketed with e-cigarettes or vapes once the bill becomes law.
During the hybrid Senate hearing on Monday, Dec. 13, senators rejected the proposed amendment of Sen. Pia Cayetano to Senate Bill No. 2239 or the Vaporized Nicotine Products Regulation Act, which will change the proposed minimum allowable age -- from 18 to 21 years old -- for the purchase, sale and use of vaporized nicotine products.
