The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has firmly refuted misleading claims and inappropriate actions by vape companies FLARE and SHFT, emphasizing its commitment to consumer protection and fair trade practices.

In recent social media posts, FLARE falsely asserted full compliance with regulatory requirements, while SHFT improperly shared unauthorized photos of DTI staff. The DTI clarified that these actions misrepresent the Department’s role and breach consumer protection laws, particularly Republic Act 7394, also known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines. This law prohibits false, deceptive, or misleading advertising practices.

Additionally, Department Administrative Order No. 2, s. 2007 explicitly forbids the dissemination of false or misleading information and the concealment of material facts in advertisements.

Authorized vape brands

To protect consumers, the DTI has released an updated list of brands authorized to sell vape products in the Philippine market. As of now, only the following brands hold valid Philippine Standards (PS) Licenses:

• DON BARS

• KLIQ

• ONE BAR

• PHANTOM VAPE

• RELX

• TOMORO

• TRUEZ

• VAGEND

• X-VAPE

The Department reiterated the importance of securing and maintaining valid PS Licenses to ensure vape products meet the required safety and quality standards. Businesses failing to comply face penalties or trading suspensions.

The DTI’s Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products, their Devices, and Novel Tobacco Products (OSMV) has encouraged consumers to be proactive in reporting retailers engaged in questionable practices.

Consumers can contact the DTI Consumer Care Hotline at 1-384 or their email address for general concerns.