RA11900 was enacted on July 25, 2022, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress. It is entitled An Act Regulating the Importation, Manufacture, Sale, Packaging, Distribution, Communication of Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products, and Novel Tobacco Products. The act is also known as the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Regulation Act.

The law was published in newspapers on 28 July 2022, effective on 13 August 2022. However, its full implementation was subject to an 18-month transitory period following the issuance of its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). The IRR was issued on 5 December 2022, published on 13 December 2022, and became effective on 28 December 2022. The full implementation of RA 11900 took effect on 6 June 2024.

It aims to regulate the sale and distribution of e-cigarettes, vapes, and similar products in the Philippines. The law focuses on protecting the citizens from any potential hazards of vape products, ensuring the prevention of sale to minors, and preventing the presence of illicit trade.

Regulations are important to protect consumers from potentially harmful, unregulated vape products that may pose significant health risks. OSMV upholds quality assurance and safety standards for products that can reach the market, reducing the possibility of unsafe or unauthorized items. By preventing illicit products, regulations allow a fair playing field for lawful businesses and ensure consumer protection from unsafe products.

To prevent minors from purchasing vape products online, the DTI is implementing age verification measures and monitoring online marketplaces. Retailers must ensure that no one under eighteen (18) years old buys Vaporized Nicotine, Non-Nicotine Products, or Novel Tobacco Products, verifying buyers’ ages through valid government-issued IDs. Direct delivery is also restricted to individuals eighteen (18) and older to reinforce compliance with these regulations.

Fine of P20,000.00 and
revocation/cancellation of
business permits and licenses
(if applicable)

Fine of P20,000.00 and
revocation/cancellation of
business permits and licenses

Owner/president/manager/senior
officer held liable if committed
by a business entity; minor
offenders referred for
intervention by DOH & DSWD

Fine of P400,000.00 or
imprisonment up to 3 years,
or both, plus revocation/
cancellation of business
permits/licenses

Fine of P5,000,000.00 and
imprisonment of 6 years, plus
revocation/cancellation of
business permits/licenses

Trained experts and individuals who are strictly 18 years old and above may attend the promotional activities involving Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products. Age verification is required, and health warnings must be included in invitations. No medicinal claims are allowed unless approved by the FDA. Displays should be limited to adult-only locations. All communications must have health warnings, and promotional items cannot feature brand logos. Ads cannot be placed in media aimed at the general public or on shopping bags, and promotional merchandise cannot appeal to minors.

Sponsorships in sports, concerts or cultural events are prohibited. The participants must be 18 years old and above. Health warnings should also be included in the invitation. Promotional materials must strictly be according to requirements in law and must impose age requirements. Any brand that bears its logo is not allowed in giveaways during events. These rules apply only to commercial sponsorships, allowing corporate social responsibility activities without brand names or logos.

The use of Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products is banned in all indoor public places, except for Designated Vaping Areas (DVAs). It is prohibited in youth centers, hospitals, public transport, and government offices. DVAs must restrict access to individuals under 18 and be displayed in clear and visible signage.