As previously reported, the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on August 2 encouraged tobacco companies to manufacture heat-not-burn products (HTP) in the Philippines. According to DTI, if HTP is produced in the Philippines, it can be exported to ASEAN (excluding Vietnam), Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong region of China on preferential terms with zero tariffs.
The Philippine Department of Health issued a warning on August 4 that branding the Philippines as a manufacturing hub for e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTP) could exacerbate the country’s tobacco crisis.
The Health Ministry is concerned that this move could lead to the spread of these programs and would undermine efforts to prevent and limit HTP and e-cigarette use, especially among young people. “This move is also contrary to the policy intent of Republic Act 11900 (Regulation of Vaped Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Act), which is to protect citizens from any potential hazards that may arise from HTP,” the Health Ministry said in a statement.
The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry has urged HTP manufacturers to make the Philippines the next destination for their factories due to the increased demand for heating tobacco equipment in the country, the Philippine News Agency reported.
“Economic managers should consider the long-term economic burden caused by these harmful products, including those caused by premature death of patients, which outweigh the potential economic gains from investing in these industries,” the health ministry said.
The Regulation of Vaping Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Act became law in July 2022. The Act empowers the Department of Trade and Industry to regulate vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products. Only registered vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products with applicable graphic health warning signs are permitted for sale, advertising or distribution.
The law also allows individuals as young as 18 to purchase e-cigarette products, drawing criticism from health and children’s rights groups that it would bring e-cigarettes closer to young people.
References:
[1] DOH cautions vs marketing Philippines as hub for heated tobacco products