“This not only harms the economy but fosters corruption at multiple levels,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel in a news release last week (July 14), as he detailed the President’s marching orders to go after smugglers, their backers, and enablers with the full force of the law.

Secretary Tiu Laurel confirmed that he has already met with newly appointed Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre, and officials from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to craft a joint strategy targeting the syndicates flooding local markets with illegal imports.

“The President has directed the DA to throw the book at the consignees and all those involved in smuggling these agricultural products. By the end of the year, we hope to see many of those responsible handcuffed, facing charges,” said Secretary Tiu Laurel.

He added that customs brokers who facilitate these illegal shipments will also be held accountable under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law, the Food Safety Act, and the Customs Code.

Uninspected imports—many of which come from Port of Xiamen in China—pose serious threats not only to local livelihoods but also to public health and biosecurity, with potential risks to the country’s plant and livestock industries. The government has since heightened surveillance on shipments from the Chinese port, which has been identified as a major exit point for smuggled agricultural goods.

The President’s directive comes amid growing outrage from farmers’ groups and industry stakeholders who have long decried how smuggling devastates farmgate prices, destabilizes local production, and rewards criminality at the expense of the country’s food sovereignty.

In a news release, the DTI declared these products unsafe and unsuitable for public use, and warned retailers and online sellers to comply with regulations or face severe penalties.

The latest haul—covering 88 unauthorized vape brands—brings the total value of illegal vape products seized since 2023 to more than ₱56 million.

Citing violations such as the lack of tax stamps, Philippine Standard (PS) license marks, and improper health warnings, DTI said this is a public health issue.

Many products were also found to be deliberately packaged to appeal to minors, including those with fruity flavors, cartoon imagery, and candy-like branding—clear breaches of Republic Act 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.

Operations were conducted by the DTI’s Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products (OSMV), in collaboration with the Bureau of Customs, the Philippine National Police, and the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

DTI said the campaign aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda, aimed at strengthening consumer protection and law enforcement through a whole-of-government approach.

In addition to on-the-ground seizures, the DTI reported the takedown of over 104 million digital entries—including pages, posts, and product listings—across major e-commerce and social media platforms.

The department also flagged 628 violative physical establishments and issued 385 formal charges, show-cause orders, and notices of violation. Trading has been suspended for 10 non-compliant vape brands.

Violators of RA 11900 face hefty fines and possible imprisonment:

For packaging and labeling violations (Section 4):

• 1st offense: ₱2 million fine, up to 2 years’ imprisonment
• 2nd offense: ₱4 million fine, up to 4 years
• 3rd offense: ₱5 million fine, up to 6 years or license revocation

For marketing violations targeting minors (Section 12):

• 1st offense: ₱100,000 fine
• 2nd offense: ₱200,000 fine
• 3rd offense: ₱400,000 fine, up to 3 years’ imprisonment, and possible license revocation

DTI is urging all vape retailers, manufacturers, and distributors to fully comply with RA 11900 to avoid legal consequences and protect consumers—especially youth—from harmful and misbranded products.

Consumers are encouraged to report violations to the DTI’s OSMV Communications Unit at OSMV@dti.gov.ph or OSMV_Comms@dti.gov.ph. For vape-related complaints, individuals may also file through the DTI Consumer Care System at ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph.