The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has placed nicotine pouches under mandatory product certification, giving manufacturers and other industry players 12 months to meet new standards before uncertified products can no longer be sold in the Philippine market.
The requirement is set out in Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 26-07, Series of 2026. Under the order, nicotine pouches may eventually be manufactured, imported, distributed or sold only with a valid Philippine Standard (PS) License and certification.
The rules cover manufacturing, importation, packaging, distribution and retail sale, with PNS BSI PAS 8877:2024 serving as the reference standard. Unlike products subject to the Import Commodity Clearance scheme, nicotine pouches will be regulated exclusively through the PS licensing system.
The certification framework will require manufacturers to demonstrate testing capabilities for nicotine content, pH and water activity. Independent testing must also be performed by laboratories recognized by the DTI, adding another compliance requirement for companies entering or operating in the market.
The order also sets requirements for toll-packing facilities, including registration, audits, traceability and quality-management systems.
Packaging rules will require disclosures such as nicotine content per pouch, ingredients, allergens, manufacturing date and batch information. Products must also carry the prescribed PS certification mark and graphic health warnings.
The 12-month transition period gives businesses time to bring existing operations and inventory into compliance. Existing stocks may undergo voluntary certification during the transition.
Once the period expires, products that do not meet the prescribed standards will no longer be allowed to be sold, distributed or otherwise placed on the Philippine market, potentially affecting manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers that have not secured certification.
