The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has announced that online sales of vape products will be suspended starting 20 July 2024.
This action is a decisive move aimed at bolstering public health and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. It is part of an effort to address concerns over the accessibility of vape products to minors and to enforce controls on their distribution.
Ensuring Compliance and Protecting Youth
The suspension follows findings that several online sellers are not adhering to regulations for the sale of vape products. These regulations include age verification processes and the proper labelling of products. DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual emphasised that the primary objective is to safeguard the youth from the potential harms of vaping.
“The protection of our youth is non-negotiable. The proliferation of vapour products on online marketplaces has made these harmful substances accessible to minors, posing a significant threat to their health and well-being. This suspension is necessary to curb this alarming trend,” Pascual stated.
DTI reported that Pascual issued the directive after discussions with key industry stakeholders, including manufacturers, importers, and distributors.
“We want businesses to thrive, but it must be in line with the law. Let’s not profit from selling to minors. As long as you comply, we will support you. However, you must prove that you are preventing minors from buying these illegal products,” Pascual states.
The Growing Concern Over Vaping
Vaping has become increasingly popular among younger demographics, raising alarms about its long-term health implications. The ease of purchasing vape products online has exacerbated this issue. Many minors bypass age restrictions to obtain these items. Health experts have pointed out that vaping can lead to nicotine addiction and other serious health problems. These include respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
A study conducted by the Department of Health revealed that a significant percentage of students have tried vaping. Subsequently, many of them become regular users. This trend is concerning, given the potential for developing dependence on nicotine at a young age.
The Regulatory Framework
The sale of vaping products should be under the Republic Act No. 11900. This law regulates vapour products’ manufacture, sale, distribution, and use. These regulations mandate that manufacturers must register all vape products with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Additionally, retailers must strictly monitor their sale to prevent minors from accessing them. Mr. Pascual signed the Department Administrative Order (DAO) No.24-03, series of 2024. This act suspends the online sale of vapour products on marketplaces, effective immediately.
DTI is working closely with other government agencies to develop a robust framework for monitoring and regulating the online sale of vape products. This effort includes the FDA and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). It should enable the implementation of stricter age verification mechanisms and ensure that all online sellers comply with the labelling and advertising requirements.
Public Health Advocacy
Public health advocates have lauded the DTI’s decision, viewing it as a critical step towards reducing the health risks associated with vaping. Health experts have been advocating for tougher regulations on electronic cigarettes and vape pens, pointing to the intense marketing and sales strategies targeting young people.
Moving Forward
The suspension of online vape sales marks a significant step in the government’s ongoing efforts to regulate the industry and protect public health.
With the collaboration between DTI and other agencies to refine and enforce stricter regulations, there is hope for a safer and healthier distribution. For the public, especially parents and guardians, this move underscores the importance of being vigilant about the products their children have access to and promoting awareness about the risks associated with vaping. The government’s proactive stance serves as a reminder of its commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its citizens, particularly the younger generation.
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