BIR files cases to fight illegal vape trade in Q1 of 2025

MANILA, Philippines -- An intensified crackdown on illicit vape products was announced by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) as they plan to bring charges to illegal vape sellers in the first quarter of 2025 as a part of the continued effort of the agency to enforce proper tax collection and consumer protection.

Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said that these goods do not go through proper tax processes which puts legitimate businesses at a disadvantage. This is after an operation that seized 560,000  units of contraband in 2024 with a total of  P415 million in tax charges.

The agency is also monitoring illegal vape trade hotspots with the help of other government agencies to track distributors and smugglers to ensure that sellers and distributors comply with the law to level the playing field for legal businesses along with their campaign for consumer safety and proper tax collection.