Philippine House Passes Vaping Bill: Online Sales and Purchases Allowed

On May 20, reports indicated that the Philippine House of Representatives passed a bill today that will lower the minimum age for purchasing and using electronic cigarettes and other vapor products from 21 to 18 years old.

Previously, Congress passed Republic Act No. 11467, which imposed taxes on electronic cigarettes and set the purchasing age at 21. Two years ago, the country had completely banned electronic cigarettes.

The previously passed law prohibited the sale of electronic cigarettes and flavored products. It appears that the new bill significantly relaxes the restrictions imposed by the current law. Although all flavors except tobacco flavors are currently banned, the new bill allows for common fruit flavors, nuts, coffee, tea, vanilla, caramel, tobacco, and mint.

Supporters argue that the latest bill will also remove the authority of the Philippine Food and Drug Administration to regulate electronic cigarettes and vapor products, transferring it to the Department of Trade and Industry, as supporters believe these are not health products. The bill also allows for online sales of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, provided that the website restricts access for users under 18 and displays the required signage as proposed.

The latest bill also includes language allowing advertisements for electronic cigarettes in retail locations through direct marketing and the internet, although it stipulates that these advertisements must not target minors, undermine smoking cessation messages, and should not encourage non-smokers to use them.

New measures also prohibit the sale of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices within 100 meters of schools, playgrounds, or other facilities frequently visited by minors, and ban the use of vapor products and electronic cigarettes in all enclosed public places, except designated vaping areas.