BIR intensifies drive vs untaxed cigarettes, vape products

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is intensifying its campaign against the illegal trade of untaxed cigarettes and vape products following a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. emphasized that these illicit activities constitute tax evasion and ordered regional directors and audit divisions to crack down on them.

The BIR has been actively conducting raids and filing cases against illegal traders of vape and cigarettes since 2022.

A recent raid in Palawan on May 1, 2024, resulted in the confiscation of 227,351 packs of illicit cigarettes with a tax liability of PHP150.6 million.

Eight persons were confirmed to be in possession of the illegal contraband in Palawan and will be charged under the National Internal Revenue Code.

This apprehension was a joint effort with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Customs, and Department of Health.

Commissioner Lumagui stated that the BIR will continue its war against illicit vape and cigarette trade nationwide, with regional and district offices deploying all available manpower.