DTI Allows Online Sale and Ads of Vapes, Novel Tobacco—With Mandatory Age Verification and Registration

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has officially greenlit the online sale and advertising of vaporized nicotine products, non-nicotine vapes, their devices, and novel tobacco products—provided that strict age verification and consumer registration protocols are in place.

Under Department Administrative Order No. 25-04, online platforms must require consumers to register before they can access, view, or purchase vape-related products. These platforms must also implement robust age-gating systems that block access to individuals under 18 years old.

This move updates the DTI’s earlier directive (DAO No. 24-03 in July 2024), which temporarily suspended online sales until platforms could guarantee compliance with laws such as the Internet Transactions Act (RA 11967), the Consumer Act (RA 7394), and RA 11900 regulating vape sales.

The DTI stressed that online marketplaces must prove they have adequate systems to ensure merchants adhere to these legal requirements.

However, health professionals and advocacy groups remain concerned. Critics point out that the vape industry continues to aggressively target young users, with tactics like free giveaways in bars. According to data from the DOST-FNRI analyzed by the Sin Tax Coalition, youth vape usage skyrocketed from 37,513 in 2021 to over 423,000 by 2023—a staggering 1,100% increase.

Medical experts warn against marketing vapes as a safer alternative to smoking, citing risks like EVALI (vape-related lung injury), nicotine addiction, and other health complications. Studies estimate around 115,000 Filipinos die each year from diseases linked to alcohol, tobacco, and vaping.