Open pod vapes may soon be out in vape stores, as the Department of Trade and Industry is moving to prohibit the manufacture, importation, distribution, and retail sale of open pod vapes, which allow users to refill a cartridge with uncertified e-liquids that may pose health and safety risks.

The DTI said it has removed an open pod model from the scope of a holder’s Certificate of Philippine Standards License, ensuring that only compliant vapor product systems are made available to the public.

Accordingly, the Phantom Vape Group Inc. voluntarily reduced the scope of its PS License No. Q-00002, removing open pod models under its VAGEND brand, including VPRIME Device, XLIM PRO 2 Device, NEXLIM Device, XLIM GO Device, and XLIM SQ PRO 2 Device.

These products are no longer authorized for manufacture, importation, distribution, or retail sale in the country.

According to the DTI, its move comes amid public concern over vape products allegedly containing synthetic cannabinoids, or chemicals that mimic cannabis.

These substances were recently found in “Tuklaw” cigarettes reported by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

In response, the DTI’s Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products said it is finalizing an issuance that will institutionalize the ban on vape open pods and uncertified e-liquids nationwide.

“Pursuant to the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, the DTI remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the public from the hazards of vapes and novel tobacco products, including substance abuse.

The DTI constantly updates the list of Certified Philippine Standards License Holders. Stakeholders may refer to this on the OSMV Homepage: https://www.dti.gov.ph/dti-osmv.