THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued a warning to online platforms to ensure that vape sellers are duly registered and comply with the tax stamp rules.
“Online platforms should only allow duly registered online sellers with the BIR, to sell vapes online,” it said in a statement.
“The BIR is monitoring both online platforms and brick-and-mortar stores selling vape products for possible violations of BIR regulations on vape products,” it said.
The BIR had required all vape products to bear the internal revenue stamps starting June 1.
The stamps allow the government to distinguish between legitimate and smuggled products.
BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr. said that sellers should take down posts or offerings that are non-compliant with the BIR regulations.
“We have been receiving reports that online sellers of vapes are actively selling their products at low prices because they are not paying their taxes. These online sellers of illicit vapes destroy the livelihood of legitimate vape sellers,” he said.
“The BIR protects legitimate businesses and closes illegitimate businesses. Online platforms should do the same.”
Apart from the tax stamps, the BIR reminded sellers to comply with the minimum floor price and other rules.
In March, the BIR seized illicit vape products from a warehouse in Laguna on which P75.7 million in tax was not paid. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson
