The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry has released a new draft to crack down on illegal vape trading and simplify the import process. Importers are required to submit multiple documents for a Declaration of Conformity (SOC) and are subject to rigorous testing. The public has until March 13 to submit comments.
Key points:
1. The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued a new draft regulation to strengthen the fight against the illegal trade in vapes.
2. The draft requires importers to submit more detailed documents and increase compliance checks.
3. The deadline for public comments is March 13.
Philippine DTI releases draft regulation of vapes
The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently released a new draft executive order aimed at strengthening the crackdown on illegal vape product trade, promoting consumer safety, and streamlining the import process.
The DTI is calling on the public and interested parties to comment on the revised documentation requirements, which will be implemented in the issuance of a Product Importer Declaration of Conformity (SOC) under DAO 22-06 (2022).
The draft updates the current regulations and details the new documentation requirements required for importers to apply for SOCs. SOC is a mandatory certification that verifies the legality and compliance of imported vape and tobacco products.
According to the draft, importers must submit a series of documents including a packing list, commercial invoice, bill of lading/air bill of lading, production lot details, and valid Philippine Standard (PS) license. In addition, additional compliance requirements include submitting a deposit of PHP150,000 (US $2,700), a valid certificate of registration from the Customs Bureau, proof of ownership or lease of billing and warehouse space, and an excise tax declaration with an IRS stamp.
Pending full SOC approval, importers can apply for a provisional approved Certificate of Qualified Release (CCR) to allow goods to pass through Customs on a temporary basis. Final approval, however, is subject to rigorous testing by DTI’s Special Task Force Office for Vapes and Non-Nicotine Products (OSMV).
The OSMV regulates the market for vaped nicotine and new tobacco products to ensure consumer safety and compliance with the Vaped Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation (RA 11900), also known as the vape Act.
The public and interested parties have until March 13 to submit comments on the draft.
