Online market platforms told to comply w/ Anti-Vape Law

The Consumer Protection Group of the Department of Trade and Industry is urging all e-commerce platforms operating in the country to comply with the law regulating the sale of vape and non-nicotine products following the increase in the number of online merchants selling prohibited items.
In response to the recently held dialogue with the online platforms, Shopee Philippines Inc. has immediately implemented measures to strengthen its monitoring and policing of prohibited vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products being advertised and sold on their platform.
As of March 2, Shopee reported it has already removed over one million prohibited vape listings from its platform.
A representative from Shopee Public Affairs Office has assured the DTI of the company’s continued support and cooperation.
“We appeal to all online marketplaces to police their sellers and ensure that appropriate age verification mechanisms and point of sale signages are in place, and that all listed products bear the required graphic health warnings prescribed by Republic Act 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act,,” said DTI Usec. Ruth Castelo
Castelo reiterated the mandatory compliance with Joint Administrative Order 22-01, reminding all digital platforms including social media marketplaces such as Facebook/Meta, Instagram, Viber, Lazada, Shopee, Carousell, among others that laws, rules, and regulations that apply to physical stores also apply to online stores.
The DTI will continue its intensified monitoring and enforcement activities to safeguard consumers and ensure that businesses are compliant with the law.
It also expects the cooperation of marketplaces and e-commerce platforms to take down listings of prohibited vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products and novel tobacco products packaged, labeled, marketed or presented with flavor descriptors that are unduly appealing to the youth such as fruit, candy brand, dessert, cartoon character.
Consumers may to report merchants that sell prohibited goods and uncertified items through One-DTI (1-384) Hotline or email, [email protected]. – Press release