The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has engaged with the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) in raising awareness on the harmful effects of vape on minors, including the illegal sale of the product.
The engagement covers the launch of a communication campaign on the barangay level, with the cooperation of local government officials and the National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL).
Aiming to effectively reach minor audiences, ULAP is set to facilitate the dissemination of information and advocacy materials through digital platforms, including social media and website, and also through the conduct of onsite and virtual meetings.
The DTI has intensified its monitoring and enforcement operations against violators of Republic Act No. 11900 or the “Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
As of February 2024, 69,976 online stores and 960 physical stores have been monitored. To date, the DTI has issued Notices of Violations (NOVs) and Show Cause Orders (SCOs) to 269 physical stores, mandating them to submit a written explanation within 48 hours from their receipt of SCOs and NOVs.
Additionally, 62,738 online stores were found noncompliant and were consolidated for SCO issuance.
