Quezon City — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) recently led a simultaneous nationwide destruction of illicit vape products carrying an estimated Php 1.34 billion in unpaid excise taxes and penalties, signaling the government’s intensified crackdown on illegal vape trading.
The destruction, spearheaded from the BIR National Office and carried out across multiple revenue regions, covers 448,494 units of illicit vape products scheduled for disposal over three days. The operation is being livestreamed online around the clock.
The move follows sustained enforcement operations under the National Internal Revenue Code, which led to the seizure of 742,778 vape units nationwide for violations such as non-payment of excise taxes, lack of internal revenue stamps, and failure to register vape brands. Total tax liabilities of all seized products were estimated at Php 2.73 billion, inclusive of penalties.
Commissioner of Internal Revenue Charlito Martin Mendoza said the public and simultaneous destruction underscores the government’s zero-tolerance policy against illicit excisable goods.
“The government will not tolerate the sale of vape products without proper excise tax payment and stamps,” Mendoza said, noting that excise taxes help regulate consumption—especially among the youth—while funding essential public services such as healthcare.
Mendoza also warned that unstamped vape products pose safety risks, as their contents and device integrity cannot be verified, particularly for battery-powered devices used close to the face.
The destruction is being carried out in accordance with provisions of the Tax Code and relevant BIR regulations, with coordination from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards. DENR-accredited service providers are facilitating the process.
Representatives from the Department of Finance, Bureau of Customs, Department of Trade and Industry, Commission on Audit, Department of Health, law enforcement agencies, and the media witnessed the activity.
The BIR said enforcement efforts against illicit vape products will further intensify in the coming year and urged consumers to report the sale of unstamped vape products, which are illegal and unsafe.