The Bureau of Customs has intensified its efforts to combat the illegal trade of vape products, announcing the seizure of P5.07 billion worth of smuggled goods in the first 10 months of this year.
The significant increase in the BOC enforcement actions underscores its commitment to upholding the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act (RA 11900) and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863).
The BOC actions, which include rigorous inspections, monitoring, and intelligence-sharing, aim to curb the illegal importation and distribution of vape products. Recent successes include the confiscation of smuggled disposable vapes worth P12.6 million from a vape shop in San Pedro, Laguna, and the seizure of vape devices and pods valued at P6.475 million in Quiapo, Manila. These actions reflect the BOC’s growing momentum in tackling illegal vape trade.
The agency has also been actively destroying forfeited vape goods to ensure they do not reach the market. In April, it condemned 14,100 boxes of seized vape products, valued at P1.48 billion. It destroyed in separate occasions in August around 19,800 boxes and 8,400 boxes of vape products, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to curbing the availability of smuggled goods.
The BOC emphasized that dismantling smuggling networks is a top priority, and the agency is working closely with other government bodies such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Department of Trade and Industry, and private stakeholders. With strengthened enforcement and coordination, the BOC aims to protect public health and ensure the integrity of legitimate trade in the Philippines.
