Budgetary constraints prevent the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) from fully exercising its mandate of regulating heated tobacco products (HTP), e-liquids for vapor products, and nicotine pouches.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said in a statement, the House Committee on Ways and Means has given its instruction to the agency and to the Department of Budget and Management for additional funding in the National Expenditure Program (NEP) to expand the DTI’s testing capabilities.
The DTI said the additional budget will fund more testing facilities for HTP consumables and e-liquids, and enhance DTI’s certification process, vital for public safety. the testing facilities from covering HTP consumables.
DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual has directed his officials to assess the agency’s preparedness in implementing the Vape Law and to identify any equipment needed for testing.
“It is essential to have a well-maintained machinery, up-to-date methodologies, and an efficient laboratory management system to bring vapor products into the market with greater confidence in their safety and performance,” Pascual said.
On February 22, DTI’s Consumer Protection Group, led by Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles inspected existing vape testing facilities in the Bureau of Philippine Standards laboratory in Cavite. This inspection evaluated the testing protocols for vapor products and related accessories, including dry cells and secondary batteries.
The team also conducted assessments of various laboratory instruments ensuring the integrity and efficacy of the testing process.
By June 2024, the product registration and other related provisions of RA 11900 will take effect. All importation and manufacturing of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products and novel tobacco products shall be required to undergo the DTI mandatory certification process prior to market distribution.