The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has unleashed its strongest regulatory action yet targeting non-compliant vape imports. Department Administrative Order No. 25-10 (2025), officially released today, establishes stringent barriers against vaporized nicotine/non-nicotine products and novel tobacco imports lacking Philippine Standard (PS) certification.
The Core Crackdown
DAO25-10 (2025) fundamentally rewrites import rules:
- Universal Coverage: Applies to ALL entry points – e-commerce shipments, air/sea cargo, freeports (Subic, Clark, etc.), and personal/traveler imports.
- Zero Tolerance: Only products meeting Philippine or recognized international quality standards (ISO, IEC, etc.) may enter Philippine territory.
- Anti-Evasion Focus: Explicitly targets illegal imports, products with illicit substances, and goods bypassing mandatory lab testing under DAO22-06 (2022).
- E-Commerce Lockdown: Directly ties into RA11967 (Internet Transactions Act), requiring platforms to verify compliance BEFORE shipment.
Enforcement Teeth
- Expanded Mandate: Operates under RA11900 (Vape Act), RA4109 (Standards Law), AND RA7394 (Consumer Act), giving DTI unprecedented enforcement power.
- Centralized Oversight: Creates a “whole-of-government” strategy with the DTI’s Office for the Special Mandate of Vapor Products (OSMV) as the enforcement hub.
- Public Reporting: Violations can be reported directly to OSMV via [email protected] or [email protected]. Consumer complaints must use the DTI Consumer Care Portal (ConsumerCare.dti.gov.ph).
Industry Impact Analysis
This isn’t just bureaucracy:
- Retail Shakeout: Small sellers sourcing non-PS-certified disposable vapes or e-liquids overseas face supply chain collapse.
- Personal Use Risk: Travelers bringing “duty-free” or foreign-bought vapes must prove compliance or risk confiscation.
- Platform Liability: Lazada, Shopee, and Amazon sellers will face aggressive delistings for non-PS goods.
Quote from the Frontline
A major Manila-based importer (requesting anonymity) shared: “This obliterates the gray market. Even ‘personal use’ shipments get flagged now. OSMV means business – they cross-reference every SKU against PS/QC databases.”
The Bottom Line
The DTI has declared open season on non-compliant imports. E-commerce loopholes are sealed. Personal import exemptions are dead. With centralized OSMV oversight and mandated lab testing, the era of unchecked vape imports is over. Compliance isn’t optional – it’s the price of market entry.
DTI Resources:
- Report Non-Compliance: [email protected]
- Consumer Complaints: ConsumerCare.dti.gov.ph
Stay alert. We’re tracking implementation challenges and industry fallout. Check back for updates.
