Health groups file complaints vs ZYN, IQOS Philippines over alleged Vape Law violations

MANILA, Philippines—Health advocates have filed complaints against nicotine pouch brand ZYN and heated tobacco product (HTP) company IQOS Philippines for allegedly violating the Vape Law, or Republic Act No. 11900, which regulates the promotion, distribution, and registration of vaporized nicotine and tobacco products. In a joint statement Sunday, the Philippine Smoke-Free Movement, the Child Rights Network, the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc., Action on  Smoking and Health Philippines, Imagine Law, Parents Against Vape, Youth Against Vape, and  HealthJustice urged the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to take immediate action against the companies for allegedly engaging in illegal sponsorships and promotional activities. This comes after the brands were said to promote their products during the Sinulog  Festival in Cebu City back in January. The groups noted that such sponsorships violate Section 14(a) of Republic Act No. 11900, which prohibits tobacco and nicotine brands from sponsoring cultural events. They added that these activities “exploit an environment that is both child-centered and culturally significant.” “These violations involving ZYN and IQOS are not isolated incidents—they reflect a recurring pattern of noncompliance by the tobacco industry. These brands continue to insert themselves in cultural, artistic, and entertainment spaces, positioning their products as part of a desirable lifestyle. Worse, one of these brands has been reported to be promoting and distributing a product that has no registration or certification under the law. Immediate regulatory action from the DTI is needed to put an end to these dirty industry tactics and to reaffirm the government’s mandate to protect the health of its people,” said Rizza Duro, national coordinator of the Philippine Smoke-Free Movement.

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