1. Philippine DTI Approves Guangdong E-Cigarette Certification, Urges Industry Compliance
According to the Manila Bulletin, the health advocacy group Safevape PH has called on e-cigarette suppliers and stakeholders to strictly adhere to government regulations on product registration and tax compliance. This call follows the approval by the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Office for Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Special Authorization (OSMV) of Guangdong Bolle Industrial Co., Ltd. (GBPI) and its local representative, One Tech Ventures OPC.
In a statement, GBPI expressed its commitment to quality, announcing, “We have obtained the PS license, ensuring that our products meet the highest quality and safety standards.” The company added, “This certification represents our commitment to excellence, providing only the best products to our customers. Trust our products, trust our brand.”
Safevape PH noted that GBPI’s certification contrasts with claims from some industry insiders who argue that the licensing process is overly complex, leading to illegal operations. The organization also addressed ongoing complaints from manufacturers, distributors, and importers, who face challenges in meeting regulatory requirements, particularly in obtaining the Philippine Standards (PS) mark and clearing imported goods through the DTI.
Under Republic Act No. 11900 (the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act), all manufacturers and importers must register their products, secure operating licenses, comply with packaging regulations, and fulfill tax obligations.
An 18-month transition period was granted to facilitate compliance with these regulations. Safevape PH emphasized, “GBPI’s case clearly shows that obtaining an OSMV license is not impossible, contrary to what some in the industry want the public to believe.” The group underscored the importance of compliance for public health and safety and called for transparency and accountability within the industry. They also support educational campaigns to inform the public about the risks and benefits of e-cigarettes.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has intensified its crackdown on illegal e-cigarette retailers. BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. noted that despite repeated warnings, illegal distributors persist in their activities, prompting regular raids and product seizures.
2. Wales Sets Date for Disposable Vape Ban
According to ITV News, Wales will ban disposable e-cigarettes starting June 1, 2025. This follows the Welsh government’s announcement of its plan to address “litter and plastic pollution” and “protect” communities.
The new regulations will ban the supply of disposable e-cigarettes as a “key step” in reducing waste. Welsh Deputy Minister for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, said in a statement, “The Welsh Government is working closely with the UK Government and other local authorities on this issue and looks forward to coordinating our effective date.”
This will allow the ban to be implemented in a coordinated manner to ensure a high level of compliance across the UK and consistent enforcement. “Tackling the environmental and social impact of disposable e-cigarettes is a top priority for the Welsh Government, and we will continue to collaborate with other UK nations to address these challenges.”
The Welsh government initially planned for the ban to take effect on April 1, 2025, to give businesses “necessary preparation time.” The updated implementation date of June 1, 2025, is expected to align with other UK countries to ensure smoother enforcement of the ban.
3. New York Mayor to Destroy 1,246 Kilograms of Illegal E-Cigarettes
According to CSP News, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced last Wednesday that over 1,200 pounds of illegal e-cigarette products are being shipped out of New York City for destruction. These products were seized through the government’s “Protect Lockdown Action” initiative and are being sent to ENP Environmental, a long-term DNA evidence destruction supplier based in Grafton, Ohio.
The mayor’s office stated that once seized, untaxed and illegally sold tobacco and e-cigarette products are confiscated and may ultimately be destroyed by the city government. Adams said, “Through the ‘Protect Lockdown Action,’ we have shut down over 1,200 unlicensed smoke shops, seized approximately $80 million worth of illegal products, and confiscated thousands of illegal e-cigarettes.”
The initiative conducts joint operations, including inspections and follow-up checks in neighborhoods across New York City’s five boroughs. When illegal shops are ordered to be locked, NYPD precinct officers monitor the sites to ensure compliance and notify the sheriff’s office in case of violations.
4. Texas Denison Approves New Ordinance for Vape and Tobacco Shops
According to MSN News, Denison, Texas (KXII) has approved new regulations for vape and tobacco shops. Development Services Director Mary Tate said Denison has received numerous applications to open such stores, while concerns about the locations of these shops have also grown. “This ordinance provides definitions for our zoning code, which previously did not define things like vape, tobacco, THC, CBD, etc. We attempted to define them and designate specific areas where these types of businesses could be located.”
Denison ISD Assistant Superintendent Dr. Andrew Gilbert noted, “Even second graders in our schools have been found in possession of these products, and it’s not unique to Denison ISD. This issue is prevalent in school districts across the state and county.”
Under the new ordinance, any new vape/tobacco shop must meet specific requirements, including obtaining a permit from the state comptroller and being located only in commercial and industrial areas. Additionally, they must obtain a conditional use permit, which requires them to meet additional conditions, such as being located at least 1,000 feet away from schools, daycare centers, hospitals, and churches. The ordinance does not affect existing businesses, and convenience stores may still sell such products.
5. US Authorities Seize $76 Million Worth of Illegal E-Cigarettes
According to Tobacco Reporter, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced they have seized approximately 3 million unauthorized e-cigarette products, estimated to be worth $76 million. This seizure was part of a joint operation aimed at inspecting incoming shipments and preventing illegal e-cigarettes from entering the US.
FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf said, “The FDA remains vigilant and, in coordination with our federal partners, continues to work tirelessly to stop unauthorized e-cigarettes from entering our borders. These products often end up in the hands of children, and our newly formed federal task force is equipped to combat this unethical activity.”
In June, the FDA and the Department of Justice established a joint federal task force to curb the distribution and sale of illegal e-cigarettes. “The trade enforcement mission of US Customs and Border Protection takes great care to intercept illegal products that could harm American consumers,” said CBP Acting Commissioner Troy A. Miller. “We will continue to work with enforcement partners to identify and seize unsafe and illegal goods.”
Leading up to this operation, the task force spent months reviewing shipping invoices, identifying suspicious incoming shipments, and completing other investigative work. After inspecting all shipments from China, the task force uncovered various brands of illegal e-cigarettes. Most of these unauthorized products were deliberately mislabeled as non-related items to avoid duties and detection, and their value was reported incorrectly. Seized products will be disposed of according to CBP authority.
“This will not be the last joint seizure operation—we will relentlessly pursue those trying to smuggle illegal e-cigarettes,” said FDA Center for Tobacco Products Director Brian King. “The $76 million tossed into the trash should serve as a warning. They’d be better off spending their time and money complying with the law.”
