Philippine House Passes Vape Regulation Bill Allowing Online Sales

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

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

The previously passed law prohibited the sale of e-cigarettes and flavored products. The new bill appears to significantly relax the restrictions imposed by current laws. Although all flavors except tobacco flavor are currently banned, the new bill allows for regular fruit flavors, nuts, coffee, tea, vanilla, caramel, tobacco, and mint.

Supporters believe that the latest bill will also remove the authority of the Philippine Food and Drug Administration to regulate e-cigarettes and vapor products, transferring that power to the Department of Trade and Industry, as supporters argue that these are not health products. The bill also allows for the online sale of e-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 for the advertising of e-cigarettes in retail locations through direct marketing and the internet, although it stipulates that these advertisements must not target minors, must not undermine smoking cessation messages, and should not encourage non-smokers to use them.