The Philippine Internal Revenue Bureau Reported That 560,000 Illegal E-cigarettes Were Seized in One Month, With A Tax Amount Of US$7.1 Million

The Philippine Internal Revenue Bureau reported that 560,000 illegal e-cigarettes were seized in one month, with a tax amount of US$7.1 million

The Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has closed down 817 illegal e-cigarette stores in a nationwide raid over the past month, seized more than 560,000 e-cigarette products, and the tax amount involved is about 7.1 million US dollars.

On December 3, Romeo D. Lumagui Jr., director of the Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), reported on his official website that one month after the nationwide crackdown on illegal e-cigarette retailers/distributors, the BIR raided a total of 817 illegal e-cigarette retailers/distributors and seized 563,284 e-cigarette products, with a total tax amount of about 415 million pesos (about 7.1 million US dollars), including various fines. These data cover all raids and seizures from October 16 to November 22 this year. Common violations include failure to affix internal tax stamps, failure to pay consumption taxes, and failure to register e-cigarette brands.

BIR launches nationwide e-cigarette raids | Source: BIR official website

Previously, the BIR raided an e-cigarette store in Quezon City that offered customers a "secret menu" of illegal e-cigarettes. Customers can order e-cigarettes by browsing the menu, and the clerk will pick up the goods from the warehouse behind the store.

BIR launches nationwide e-cigarette raids | Source: BIR official website

In addition, BIR has also received complaints about the online sale of illegal e-cigarettes and cigarettes. Reports show that retailers/distributors have turned to online sales due to BIR's regular raids on warehouses and stores.

Lumagui said,

"Major online platforms and e-marketplaces should immediately remove all illegal e-cigarettes, prohibit online sellers from doing business on the platform, and actively check the keywords or phrases used by these criminals to cover up actual sales. Citizens should report all online stores selling illegal e-cigarettes."