The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is preparing a draft Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the Vaporized Nicotine Products Control Act or E-Cigarette Control Act.

As DTI has been designated as the executive government agency, they will have to comply with the law, Ruth Castelo, deputy secretary of DTI's consumer protection group, said during a public briefing at Laging Handa, according to the Manila Bulletin.

“Soon or in a few days, we can consult with the FDA and then have a public consultation,” Castelo said, noting that they have a deadline set by law to file an IRR. The law, which expired on July 25, 2022, directed the DTI to file an IRR three months after it went into effect.

DTI will lead the way in testing equipment for new tobacco alternatives, she said. In fact, Castelo says the DTI test facility has been ready since 2021.

But when it comes to a product's chemical and health claims, the FDA will lead or approve certification.

The E-Cigarette Act regulates the import, manufacture, sale, packaging, distribution, use and dissemination of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products and novel tobacco products. By law, manufacturers have three months to notify the DTI before placing a new nicotine product on the market.