The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has officially permitted the online sale and distribution of vape products, devices, and novel tobacco items—but only under stringent age restriction protocols designed to shield minors from access.
Under Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 25-04, digital platforms such as e-commerce websites, mobile apps, and online sellers must require user registration and implement effective age-gating systems to ensure that individuals under the age of 18 cannot view, purchase, or interact with content related to vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products.
“An effective age-verification process must completely block access or purchase attempts from anyone below 18 years old—without the involvement of an adult,” the new directive stated.
Tightening Rules After Previous Suspension
This latest order comes after a temporary ban issued in July 2024, under DAO No. 24-03, where online marketplaces were instructed to halt the sale and promotion of vape-related items until robust verification systems were implemented. The move, signed by then-Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, was meant to ensure full compliance with Republic Act No. 11900 (the Vape Law), RA 11967 (Internet Transactions Act), RA 7394 (Consumer Act), and other applicable regulations.
DTI emphasized that online platforms can only resume vape sales if they demonstrate proven, reliable systems to verify customers’ ages and ensure compliance across all merchants on their platforms.
Rising Health Concerns Spark Alarm
Meanwhile, health experts and medical associations continue to raise red flags about the surge in vaping, especially among Filipino youth. According to data from the Sin Tax Coalition, citing a study by the Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), the number of Filipino minors using vapes skyrocketed from around 37,500 in 2021 to over 423,000 in 2023—a staggering 1,100% increase.
Doctors argue that vape brands have intensified their marketing, often targeting young people through promotional events in nightclubs and social spaces. While many companies position vapes as a “safer” option than traditional cigarettes, medical findings contradict this narrative, linking vape use to:
- E-cigarette or vape-associated lung injury (EVALI)
- Nicotine dependency
- Respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses
A recent public health study further revealed that over 115,000 Filipinos die each year due to illnesses caused by tobacco, vaping, and alcohol use—figures that reflect only part of the broader burden, which also includes long-term disability and reduced productivity.
Summary Highlights:
- DTI now allows online vape sales under strict age-verification protocols.
- Sellers must fully comply with Philippine laws including the Vape Law and the Internet Transactions Act.
- Minors must be completely barred from accessing vape-related content and purchases.
- Health groups warn against youth-targeted marketing by vape companies.
- Youth vape usage has surged over 1,000% in just two years, according to DOST-FNRI data.
- Medical professionals continue to highlight the severe health risks associated with vaping.