THE National Tobacco Administration (NTA) is taking a bold step to safeguard the future of small businesses and communities by launching an intensified public information campaign against the sale of illicit tobacco products.
With 50,000 posters and information materials distributed to sari-sari stores across major cities nationwide, the message is clear: selling fake or smuggled tobacco products will not be tolerated.
The penalties for non-compliance are severe: P50,000 to P200,000 in fines and 2 to 5 years in prison for trademark infringement, 5 to 8 years imprisonment for selling products without tax stamps, and fines up to P100,000 and a one-year jail term for stocking items with no graphic health warnings.
“Illicit tobacco is a widespread problem that destroys legitimate businesses, compromises public safety, and robs tobacco farmers of their livelihood,” said the NTA.
The agency is committed to protecting the rights of compliant micro-retailers, who are often the primary victims of the shadow economy.
“We need to stand together to create a level playing field,” said BenCyrus Ellorin, chair of Pinoy Aksyon for Governance and the Environment.
“Small store owners comply with every regulation, pay their permits and taxes, and sell legal products. Yet, they lose customers to illicit sellers who do none of the above,” said Ellorin.
The price gap between legal and illicit tobacco products is staggering, with illegal cigarettes sold for as low as P3.00 to P4.00 per stick, compared to P7.00 for a legal, tax-paid stick.
The disparity grows by the pack, with illicit packs sold for P30.00 compared to the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) mandated minimum legal price of P82.49.
The government is taking decisive action, with the Bureau of Customs destroying P3.26 billion worth of smuggled vape products in April 2025.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has flagged hundreds of physical establishments for selling non-compliant products.
The NTA reiterates its call to join forces in protecting communities, supporting small businesses, and promoting a fair and just economy.
The public is urged to report any illicit tobacco products to the authorities, and together, let’s build a brighter economy for all.
