In its continuing crackdown on electronic gadgets like vapes and e-cigarettes, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) ordered the suspension of several vape makers, importers due to negligence and violation of trade requirements stipulated under regulatory laws.

According to trade secretary Cristina Aldegeur-Roque, failure to put packaging and health warnings to their products prompted the suspension of 14 vape manufacturers and importers.

Aldegeur-Roque cited that the errant vape companies were penalized for breaching Section 4(d) of Republic Act 11900, or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, which specifies compliance to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) fiscal marking regulations.

Penalties for first offense consist of P2 million in fines and two years' imprisonment; second offense, P4-million fine and four years' imprisonment; and third offense, P5-million fine, six years' imprisonment and revocation of business permits and licenses.

Among the suspended vape makers were Shenzhen Nevoks Technology Co. Ltd. & 2229 Non Specialized Wholesale Trading; Mr. O's Liquido OPC; Sacredvapors Corp.; VIP Bros Inc.; Zcrew International Inc. & Dongguan Air Technology Co. Ltd; VIP Bors Inc. doing business under the name and style of Pastry Vapors Vape Juice Manufacturing; Wang Dao Technology (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd. & Sky Rocket Philippines; Shenzhen Smug Vape Technology Co. Ltd. & Semba Trading Corp.; Steep and Drip Manufacturing Corp.; Viscosity Consumer Electronics Trading Corp.; and Wang Dao Technology (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd. & Wkd Ltd.

DTI clarified that while the list contains only 11 entries, the suspension involves 14 manufacturers including partnerships, as shown by the use of '&', in which manufacturers and importers are paired.