The Philippine House of Representatives Passed The E-cigarette Regulation Bill Online Sales and Purchases.

According to foreign news reports, Last year May 2020, a bill passed by the House of Representatives of the Philippines shows that the bill will lower the minimum age for purchasing, using e-cigarettes(HNB heatsticks) and other vapor products from 21 to 18.

Republic Decree No. 11467 previously passed by the congress, which imposes a tax on e-cigarettes and sets the age of purchase at 21 years old. However, two years ago the country completely banned e-cigarettes.

The previously passed law prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes and flavoring. It seems that the new bill has largely relaxed the restrictions imposed by the current law. Although all seasonings except tobacco ingredients are currently banned, the new law allows ordinary fruit seasonings like nuts, coffee, tea, vanilla, caramel, tobacco, and mint.

Supporters believe that the latest bill will also abolish the Philippine Food and Drug Administration’s power to control e-cigarettes( heets heatstick) and vapor products. And transfer them to the Ministry of Trade and Industry because supporters believe that these are not healthy products. The bill allows online sales of e-cigarettes, but only if the site will restrict access to users under the age of 18 and display signs required by the said proposal.

The latest bill also includes language that allows e-cigarette (China heat-stick) advertisements to be placed in retail locations through direct marketing and the Internet. Although the bill stipulates that these advertisements must not be targeted at minors, must not undermine smoking cessation messages and non-smokers should be discouraged from using them.

Furthermore, the new measures also prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes within 100 meters of schools, playgrounds or other facilities that minors often go to. As well, prohibit the use of steam products and e-cigarettes in all enclosed public places. But only allows to some designated e-cigarette areas.

We believe this will provide more choices for local smokers in the Philippines.