DTI seizes banned vape products

The Department of Trade Industry (DTI) confiscated flavored vape products which are banned in the market.

According to Maki Pulido's report on "24 Oras," the DTI Consumer Protection Group seized almost all the vape products sold at a store in Sampaloc, Manila.

Under Republic Act 11900 or Vaporized Nicotine and Non-nicotine Regulation Act, vape products with colorful packaging are strictly prohibited as well as  those with flavors like strawberry ice cream or watermelon bubble sugar.

“‘Pag flavored, bawal siya. Isa ring bawal design ng packaging ay very attractive to minors kunyari gumagamit ng colors o cartoons," said DTI Consumer Protection Group Assistant Secretary Ann Claire Cabochan.

The vape shop owner did not provide a statement, but his relative said the small business had just opened two days ago.

"We will have to implement the law even if it's harsh. Ignorance of the law excuses no one," said Cabochan.

The vape shop owner was also issued a notice of violation and has two days to respond to the complaint. The fine costs P100,000 for the first offense, P200,000 for the second, and P400,000 for the third offense, and the subsequent one is the closure of the business.

It is said that selling vape products online is a big challenge for DTI, but it will closely monitor online platforms.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News