BIR on High Alert vs. Illicit Vapes, Tobacco as ‘Ber’ Months Begin

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has placed its enforcement units on heightened alert against illicit vape and tobacco products as consumer activity picks up during the “Ber” months and ahead of the Christmas season. “We are receiving intelligence and market information on the increased risk of illicit vape and tobacco products entering the country,” BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said in a statement. Lumagui said that the agency has directed its field enforcement units nationwide to be on heightened alert. The BIR chief said that illicit vape and tobacco products pose a risk to public health and significantly reduce tax revenues for the government. He stressed that the agency is prioritizing its campaign against these contraband items. The BIR has been intensifying its campaign against illicit vape and tobacco products, which are often smuggled into the country and sold without paying the appropriate taxes. These products are also known to be of substandard quality, posing serious health risks to consumers. Lumagui urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to the sale of illicit vape and tobacco products to the BIR. He also assured the public that the BIR is committed to ensuring a fair market for legitimate businesses and protecting the health of Filipino consumers.