DTI Allows Online Sale of Vapes, Novel Tobacco—But Requires Age Verification and User Registration

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has formally permitted the online sale and advertising of vape products, novel tobacco items, and related devices—provided that strict age verification and consumer registration measures are in place.

Under Department Administrative Order No. 25-04, online platforms must require users to register before they can access or purchase vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products, as well as their advertisements. Crucially, the order mandates age-gating measures to block access for individuals under 18 years old.

The DTI considers an age restriction effective if minors are unable to bypass it without help from an adult. Platforms must prove they have robust systems to meet this requirement, aligned with Republic Acts 11900, 11967 (Internet Transactions Act), and 7394, among others.

This new order updates DAO 24-03, which previously halted the online sale of vape products until sufficient proof-of-age systems were in place. Online merchants must now show full compliance before being allowed to sell such products again.

Meanwhile, medical professionals and health groups continue to raise red flags over the vaping industry’s aggressive marketing, particularly toward youth. They cite giveaways in bars and a staggering 1,100% increase in youth vape users—from 37,513 in 2021 to over 423,000 in 2023.

Doctors also warn about health risks such as lung injuries (EVALI), nicotine addiction, and heart and respiratory diseases. A recent study notes that 115,000 Filipinos die annually from diseases linked to alcohol, tobacco, and vaping.