Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11900)
The Act is known as the "Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act."
The State aims to protect and promote the right to health, instill health consciousness, regulate these novel products using international standards, reduce hazards and harm caused by smoking, prevent sale to minors, and stop illicit trade of vaporized nicotine, non-nicotine products, and novel tobacco products.
Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) are tobacco products intended to be consumed through heating tobacco (electronically or otherwise) to release an aerosol for inhalation without combustion, including liquid solutions and gels that generate aerosol.
The minimum allowable age is eighteen (18) years old.
Packaging must bear a highly visible, full-color graphic health warning occupying 50% of the principal display surfaces, with specific textual health warnings depending on nicotine content, no obscuring of warnings, compliance with BIR fiscal markings, and comply with DOH guidelines.
For retailers, first offense is a fine of ₱10,000 or imprisonment of up to 30 days. Subsequent offenses include both penalties plus revocation of business licenses. Owners and senior officers are liable if the violation is done by an establishment.
Yes, online sales are allowed provided that sellers are registered with DTI or SEC, implement age verification denying access to minors, comply with health warning requirements, and deliveries comply with proof-of-age verification.
Advertisements must not target minors, use youth-appealing characters or celebrities, must include health warnings, prohibit false or misleading information, and restrict promotion near schools or through mass public media such as billboards.
Penalties are fines ranging from ₱2 million to ₱5 million and imprisonment from two to six years depending on offense repetitions, including revocation or cancellation of business permits or licenses.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has exclusive jurisdiction over all issues related to vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products, their devices, and novel tobacco products.
Use is prohibited in all indoor public places except in Designated Vaping Areas (DVAs) or point-of-sale establishments for demonstrations, and absolutely prohibited in schools, health facilities, public conveyances, food preparation areas, places of worship, government offices except in DVAs.
No vapor product with nicotine content above 65 milligrams per milliliter (mg/ml) shall be allowed in the market.
All manufacturers and importers must register their HTP consumables, devices, vapor product refills, devices, and novel tobacco products with the DTI demonstrating conformity with product standards.
No, sponsorships are absolutely prohibited in any sport, concert, cultural, or art event.
They must post a statement clearly indicating the illegality of sale to persons under eighteen, that the products are harmful and contain addictive nicotine, along with similar warnings in Filipino.