Philippines may completely ban open electronic cigarette cartridges and uncertified e-liquids, DTI launches regulatory tightening action

Recently, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines released its latest update, stating that it is pushing for a ban on open pods and uncertified e-liquids in order to further implement the consumer protection principles of the RA 11900 Evaporative Nicotine Product Regulations. The relevant actions have entered the substantive promotion stage.

Why is it banned? ——Prominent risks and regulatory loopholes

DTI points out that open cartridges allow users to self inject non compliant e-liquids, which poses three major risks:

Easy to bypass safety standards: untested e-liquids may contain harmful chemicals

Difficulty in control: The product content is difficult to track and authenticate

In addition, the recent increase in concerns about drugs being added to electronic cigarette products has also prompted regulatory authorities to take a stricter approach.

What will be prohibited in 02? ——Two major types of products have been named and tightened

DTI has clarified that the regulatory focus is on:

Open Pods for electronic cigarette cartridges

Electronic cigarette e-liquid that has not been certified or passed Philippine standards

Once the ban is officially implemented, such products will be prohibited from manufacturing, importing, distributing, and retailing in the Philippines.

03 Regulatory Basis - RA 11900+DTI Execution

This action is a further implementation of RA 11900 (Regulations on the Administration of Vaporized Nicotine and Non Nicotine Products), which is being carried out by the OSMV Office under DTI, and is being coordinated with relevant departments to promote subsequent law enforcement, certification, and market inspections.