Bill regulating e-cigarettes, vapes OK’d on second reading

MANILA, Philippines — A measure regulating the sale and use of e-cigarettes and vapes in the country has been approved in the House of Representatives.

In plenary session on Wednesday night, congressmen approved on second reading and through voice voting House Bill 9007, which seeks to restrict access to electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) products only to those 18 years old and above.

If passed into law, the proposed “Non-Combustible Nicotine Delivery Systems Regulation Act” would oblige retailers to verify the age of all buyers by requiring the presentation of any valid government-issued identification card exhibiting the buyer’s photograph and age or date of birth.

The measure also prohibits the sale of vapes and e-cigarettes within 100 meters from a school, playground or other facility frequented by minors.

It also bans use of these products considered as “harm reduction” alternative for combustible cigarettes in all enclosed public places – except in designated vaping areas.

HB 9007, which went through a year of heated debates in committee hearings, seeks to allow specific flavors of ENDS in the market, particularly “plain fruit flavors, nuts, coffee, tea, vanilla, caramel, tobacco, menthol and mint.”

The bill also allows the sale of vapes and e-cigarettes online, provided that the website will restrict access to those below 18 years old and display signages required by the proposal.

It likewise permits advertisement of vapes and e-cigarettes in retail establishments, through direct marketing and on the internet, provided that these ads must not target minors, must not undermine quit-smoking messages and should not encourage non-smokers to use them.