BIR destroys P1.34 billion worth of illicit vape products

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) destroyed 448,494 illicit vape products with an estimated excise tax liability of P1.34 billion.

These products were found to be in violation of excise tax laws due to nonpayment of excise taxes, non-affixture of internal revenue stamps, and non-registration of vape brands.

The BIR has seized a total of 742,778 units of illicit vape products, translating to P2.73 billion in estimated tax liability, inclusive of penalties.

BIR Commissioner of Internal Revenue Charlito Martin R. Mendoza stated that the government will not tolerate the sale of vape products without the full and proper payment of excise taxes.

He emphasized that the absence of excise tax stamps indicates that distributors and sellers evaded government oversight and regulation of these products.

The BIR plans to intensify enforcement operations to prevent the resurgence of illicit vape sales.