Business · Philippines Bureau
BIR launches multi-region crackdown targeting illegal vape retailers
The Bureau of Internal Revenue conducted sweeping inspections across five regions on October 7, targeting vape establishments for tax violations and illicit product sales. The nationwide compliance drive examined 65 retail outlets as authorities intensify enforcement against unregulated vapor products.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) executed coordinated inspections at 65 vape retailers nationwide during its Tax Compliance Verification Drive (TCVD) on October 7, 2026, marking an escalation in the agency's campaign against illegal vapor products and related tax evasion.
The enforcement operations spanned five revenue regions: Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, LaQueMar (covering Laguna, Quezon, and Marinduque), and Negros, demonstrating the BIR's commitment to a systematic approach in addressing the illicit vape trade across the archipelago.
The inspections focused on verifying tax compliance among vape retailers while identifying establishments engaged in selling unregistered or contraband vapor products. The BIR has increasingly prioritized enforcement against the unregulated vape sector, which the agency contends represents significant revenue losses and public health concerns.
The nationwide TCVD reflects broader government efforts to regulate the vapor products industry through stricter tax administration and licensing requirements. Authorities have warned that businesses found in violation of tax laws and product regulations face administrative and legal penalties.