DTI mandates registration for online vape buyers

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MANILA, Philippines – To prevent minors from purchasing vapes and novel tobacco products, the Department of Trade and Industry has mandated online sellers to require buyers to first register before buying these products from their e-stores.

Under Department Order 24-05, vape consumers must first register with websites, e-commerce platforms or similar digital channels before they can access their web, mobile or app-based services.

This will help ensure that they are at least 18 years old and therefore allowed to purchase these regulated products.

READ: DTI updates licensing scheme for vape products

“This DAO on age-gating measures reinforces the DTI’s advocacy for public safety and responsible regulation of products in the digital space,” DTI said in a statement.

Entitled “Requiring Effective Measures to Prevent Individuals Below Eighteen (18) Years of Age from the Online Access or Purchase of Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products, their Devices and Novel Tobacco Products”, the April 1 order will apply to all entities engaged in the online sale, distribution, and promotion of vape products and related goods.

The order will take effect immediately after publication in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of general circulation.