PhilippinesCan You Vape in the Philippines? The Short Answer
Yes, vaping is legal and relatively liberal in the Philippines:
- Legal for 18+ under RA 11900
- 65mg/mL nicotine limit - One of the highest globally
- All flavors legal - No flavor bans
- Widely available - Vape shops throughout major cities
- Indoor vaping banned in public spaces
- Regulated but accessible - DTI oversight
The Philippines is one of the more vape-friendly countries in Southeast Asia, with clear regulations that allow adult access while implementing public health safeguards.
Philippines Vaping Laws: The Legal Framework
Republic Act 11900
RA 11900, the "Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act," was signed into law on July 25, 2022. Key provisions:
| Aspect | Regulation |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 years |
| Nicotine limit | 65mg/mL maximum |
| Flavors | All permitted |
| Advertising | Restricted |
| Public use | Banned in enclosed public spaces |
| Registration | Required for manufacturers/importers |
Regulatory Bodies
- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Product standards, registration
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - Health warnings, ingredients
- Department of Health (DOH) - Public health policy
- Local Government Units (LGUs) - Local enforcement
Registration Requirements
All vaping products sold in the Philippines must be:
- Registered with the DTI
- Comply with labeling requirements
- Include health warnings
- Meet nicotine concentration limits
What Can You Buy in the Philippines?
Available Products
The Philippines has a wide variety of vaping products:
Devices:
- Disposable vapes
- Pod systems (JUUL, Relx, Voopoo)
- Box mods and tanks
- All-in-one kits
- Rebuildable atomizers
E-Liquids:
- All flavors (fruit, dessert, tobacco, menthol, candy)
- Nicotine salts up to 65mg/mL
- Freebase nicotine
- Non-nicotine options
Popular Brands
International and local brands available:
- Relx - Popular pod system
- Voopoo - Drag series
- SMOK - Various devices
- Geekvape - Mods and tanks
- Local brands - Growing Philippines market
Pricing
Vaping is affordable in the Philippines:
| Product | Price Range (PHP) | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Disposable vape | ₱150-500 | $3-9 |
| Pod system | ₱800-2,500 | $15-45 |
| E-liquid 30mL | ₱200-600 | $4-11 |
| Nic salt 30mL | ₱350-800 | $6-15 |
| Box mod | ₱1,500-5,000 | $27-90 |
Where to Buy
Manila:
- Vape shops in malls (SM, Ayala, Robinsons)
- Dedicated vape stores in Makati, BGC, Quezon City
- Online retailers
Cebu:
- Vape shops in Ayala Center, SM City
- Downtown vape stores
Other cities:
- Growing vape shop presence in Davao, Iloilo, Bacolod
- Mall kiosks common
Where Can You Vape in the Philippines?
Where Vaping Is Prohibited
Under RA 11900 and local ordinances, vaping is banned in:
- Enclosed public spaces (malls, offices, buildings)
- Public transport (jeepneys, buses, MRT/LRT, taxis, Grab)
- Schools and universities
- Hospitals and clinics
- Government buildings
- Public markets
- Airports (inside terminals)
- Places of worship
- Within 100 meters of schools (some LGUs)
Where Vaping Is Generally Permitted
- Outdoor areas (unless posted)
- Private residences
- Some restaurants/bars with outdoor seating (ask first)
- Designated smoking areas
- Private establishments (owner's discretion)
- Beaches (most areas)
- Parks (check local rules)
City-Specific Rules
| City | Additional Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Manila | Strict enforcement in public areas |
| Makati | Clean air ordinance, designated areas |
| Quezon City | Ban in covered walks, public markets |
| Cebu City | Mall-specific rules vary |
| Davao | Strict enforcement, heavy fines |
Penalties for Public Vaping
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| First offense | Warning or ₱500-1,000 |
| Second offense | ₱1,500-2,500 |
| Third offense | ₱5,000+ |
| Selling to minors | ₱50,000-500,000 + imprisonment |
Advertising and Marketing
RA 11900 restricts vape advertising:
Prohibited
- TV and radio advertising
- Billboard advertising
- Advertising near schools
- Marketing to minors
- Health claims without FDA approval
- Celebrity endorsements
Permitted
- Point-of-sale materials (age-gated locations)
- Online advertising (age verification)
- Trade publications
- Adult-only events
For Tourists
Bringing Vapes to the Philippines
What you can bring:
- Personal vaping devices
- Reasonable quantity of e-liquid (3-6 months supply)
- No duty on personal use amounts
- Batteries in carry-on
Tips:
- Keep devices in original packaging
- Carry receipts if asked
- Declare if requested by customs
- No issues with higher nicotine strengths
Airports
NAIA (Manila):
- No vaping inside terminals
- Designated smoking areas outside
- Duty-free shops sell limited vape products
Mactan-Cebu:
- No vaping inside
- Outdoor areas available
Clark/Other airports:
- Similar rules, use outdoor areas
Resort Areas
Boracay:
- Beach vaping generally okay
- Restaurants vary by establishment
- Some hotels allow on balconies
Palawan:
- Outdoor areas permissive
- El Nido/Coron - check individual resorts
Bohol:
- Most outdoor areas fine
- Hotels vary
Philippines vs. Other Southeast Asian Countries
| Country | Legal Status | Age | Nic Limit | Flavors | Import |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philippines | Legal | 18+ | 65mg/mL | All | Personal OK |
| Thailand | Banned | N/A | N/A | Banned | Banned |
| Singapore | Banned | N/A | N/A | Banned | Banned |
| Malaysia | Restricted | 18+ | Varies | Restricted | Varies |
| Indonesia | Legal | 18+ | None | All | OK |
| Vietnam | Banned | N/A | N/A | Banned | Banned |
| Cambodia | Legal | 18+ | None | All | OK |
The Philippines and Indonesia are the most vape-friendly major destinations in Southeast Asia.
Health Warnings and Labeling
Required Warnings
All vaping products must display:
- "This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance"
- Age restriction warning
- Health warnings as prescribed by DOH
- Ingredient list
- Manufacturer information
Packaging Requirements
- Child-resistant packaging for e-liquids
- Clear labeling of nicotine content
- Filipino and English language
- No misleading health claims
Tax and Excise
The Philippines has introduced excise taxes on vaping products:
| Product | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Heated tobacco | ₱25-50 per pack |
| Vapor products | Under review |
| E-liquids | Proposed rates pending |
Tax rates continue to evolve as the industry grows.
Philippines Vaping Laws: Key Takeaways
- Vaping is legal under RA 11900 for adults 18+
- 65mg/mL nicotine limit - One of the highest globally
- All flavors permitted - No flavor bans
- Indoor vaping banned in public spaces and transport
- Widely available - Vape shops in malls and throughout cities
- Affordable pricing - Lower than most Western countries
- Tourists can bring vapes - Personal quantities allowed
- Advertising restricted - No TV, radio, or billboard ads
- Local rules vary - Check specific city ordinances
- Selling to minors - Serious penalties including imprisonment
References
- Republic Act 11900 – Chan Robles Law Library
- RA 11900 Full Text – Official Gazette
- DTI Vape Product Registration
- FDA Philippines Vaping Products
Looking for vaping laws in other countries? Check our complete vaping laws guide for more destinations.