Online sales of e-cigarettes suspended

Alfredo Pascual, secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), has signed an administrative order (AO) temporarily suspending the sale of all vape products on all e-commerce platforms.

In a press conference with trade reporters in Makati City on Friday, July 19, Pascual said the AO will take effect immediately and will only be repealed if the retailers and owners of the e-commerce platforms can convince the DTI that they do not sell vape products to minors.

“Our main concern is to prevent the sale of vape products to minors and to ensure that the safety of the products is guaranteed,” he said.

The DTI chief held a meeting with vape manufacturers, importers and retailers on Friday morning.

He said some of the online platforms had voluntarily agreed to stop selling vape products.

“But the problem is that they are suspended voluntarily. What about the others? That would be unfair. That’s why we decided to issue a blanket suspension,” said Pascual.

DTI Undersecretary Amanda Nograles explained that according to the law, age verification must be done at points of sale and delivery.

She said that when selling online, age verification at the point of sale is not possible.

She added that there will be penalties for those who violate the AO. (Philippine News Agency)