INQUIRER.net stock images

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Tuesday disputed statements from vape brands FLARE and SHFT claiming full compliance with regulations, declaring that their products were not authorized to be sold to the local market.

The DTI “firmly disputes misleading social media posts” from the two brands, the agency said, as it criticized the improper sharing of photos of its staff.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: PH should join other SEA nations in banning vapes, group says

FEATURED STORIES BUSINESS BIZ BUZZ: Surprise! MVP revives Smart Money BUSINESS SEC extends ECIP applications until end of 2024 BUSINESS Pogo phaseout in full swing; only 17 remain

“These posts misrepresent the department’s role and violate consumer protection laws, including Republic Act No. 7394, or The Consumer Act of the Philippines, which prohibits false, deceptive, or misleading advertisements,” the DTI said in a statement.

The government agency also cited Department Administrative Order No. 02, Series of 2007, wherein false, misleading information, or concealing material facts is also prohibited.

Article continues after this advertisement Licensees

The DTI added that the only brands with valid Philippine Standard (PS) licenses that were authorized to sell to the Philippine market were DON BARS, KLIQ, ONE BAR, PHANTOM VAPE, RELX, TOMORO, TRUEZ, VAGEND and X-VAPE.

Article continues after this advertisement

“The DTI urges vape businesses to secure and maintain valid PS Licenses to ensure that products meet safety and quality requirements before being distributed. Noncompliance will result in penalties or suspension of trading,” said the DTI.

The Vape Act lapsed into law in July 2022, while its implementing rules and regulations were released in December 2022. INQ

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.fc188

READ NEXT PLDT unit builds up AI-ready data centers PH’s renewable energy trading goes full blast on December 26 EDITORS' PICK Marcos vows to make overseas work a choice, not a necessity DTI gives shopping tips for the holiday season 1-Pacman party-list leaders cited for extraordinary impact on lives of Filipinos Isko Moreno’s legacy of public markets in Manila Manila Water, MSpectrum seal power deal on using solar energy UAAP Finals: UST Tigresses fend off NU, force title decider MOST READ Comelec OKs additional provincial council seats in 21 provinces VP Sara Duterte considering hiring private security force Isko Moreno’s legacy of public markets in Manila UAAP Finals: La Salle beats UP in tense finish to force Game 3 Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments

• fc188
• DTI
• Brands
• Rebukes
• vape