BIR intensifies vape and tobacco tax evasion crackdown

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is intensifying its campaign against smugglers and tax evaders in the vape and tobacco industries as part of the Marcos administration's initiative to curb illicit trade and protect public health.

BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. stated that these operations aim to address both the revenue losses and the public health risks associated with unregulated products entering the market without proper inspection or permits.

The BIR and Bureau of Customs (BOC) are collaborating on this intensified campaign, which recently included the destruction of P3.26 billion worth of smuggled vape products.

The BIR has been conducting sustained enforcement operations, including the destruction of counterfeit and untaxed cigarettes and the filing of criminal cases against violators.

In March 2025, the BIR in Pampanga destroyed approximately 14.3 million packs of illicit cigarettes, with an estimated tax liability of PHP6.3 billion.

Additionally, the BIR recently filed an PHP8.5 billion tax evasion case against Chinese nationals and corporations after raiding an illegal cigarette factory and warehouses in San Simon, Pampanga.