Manilla Bulletin, Manilla: The House joint committees on Trade and Industry and Health approved the substitute bill regulating the manufacture, importation, sale, distribution, use, advertisement, promotion and sponsorship of electronic nicotine and non-nicotine delivery systems (ENNDS) and heated tobacco products (HTPs).
The bill is known as “Non-Combustible Nicotine Delivery Systems Regulation Act of 2020,” which aims to regulate ENNDS and HTPs in order to promote a healthy environment and protect the citizens from any hazards.
The House Committee on Trade and Industry voted 46 in favor, 5 against with 2 abstention, while 41 members of Committee on Health voted in favor with 5 voting against of the proposed bill after several technical committee meetings and hearings.
“Despite the grim forecast of on tobacco related mortality, measures are being enforced to prevent it from worsening. The concept of “harm reduction” has gained support from Filipino advocates over the years. Harm reduction refers to policies, and actions focused on reducing health risks,” said Rep. Sharon S. Garin.
The proposed law would protect minors from buying ENNDS and HTPs where minimum allowable age is 18 for the purchase, sale and use of these products. Retailers are required to ensure that no minors can buying these products without verifying the age with any valid government-issued identification card.
According to the bill, sale and distribution of the products is prohibited within 100 meters from any point of a school, playground or other facility frequented by minors.
Online trade through internet websites or via e-commerce are allowed but sellers are required to ensure that they do not sell the products to any minors. Advertisements of the products is allowed in retailer establishments, through direct marketing, and on the internet but shall not be aimed to appeal any persons under 18.
The bill prohibits false claims about product characteristics, health effects, risks or emissions. The use of these products is allowed in designated vaping areas but is prohibited in all enclosed public places.
Department of Trade and Industry will consult with other concerned agencies about the bill. Existing industries and businesses affected by the implementation of this Act shall be given an 18-month transitory period from the effectivity of the implementing rules and regulations of this Act to comply with the requirements herein.
