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E-cigarette vaping in Philippines

Profile
Philippines Flag
Cigarettes
Traditional Smokeless
HTP
E-cigarettes
Snus
Pouches
NRT
Philippines Background
Profile
Philippines Flag
Cigarettes
Traditional Smokeless
HTP
E-cigarettes
Snus
Pouches
NRT
Data sourced: 2022.   Page updated: 2026-08-13

E-cigarettes and vaping are allowed by law in the Philippines including their online purchase. However, there are some restrictions on these products. Manufacturers are required to notify the authorities of new vaping products. Manufacturers are also required to place health warnings on the packaging of vaping products. No restrictions exist on flavours, but nicotine content should not exceed 65 mg/ml. Restrictions also exist on vaping in public places and the minimum legal age to purchase them is 21 years.

There were an estimated 1.6 million current vapers in the Philippines in 2021, representing an adult current vaping prevalence of 2.1%. This prevalence was 0.5% among females and 3.6% among males in 2021.

Prevalence

Year Value Reference/Comment
2015 536,580 1A A
2021 1.6 million 1B B
2021 1.6 million 1C
2021 1.6 million 1D
References:
  1. 1. Global Adult Tobacco Survey, 2015. Available at:https://nccd.cdc.gov/GTSSDataSurveyResources/Ancillary/DataReports.aspx?CAID=1 2. Calculation based on population size data of people over 15 years of age (16+). Source of population data: World Population Prospects 2019 [Internet]. United Nations; 2019. (Department of Economic and Social Affairs, editor. Population Division). Report No.: Rev. 1. Available from: https://population.un.org/wpp/Download/Standard/Population/
  2. 1. WHO. WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023 Country Profile: Philippines. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-phl.pdf?sfvrsn=f07430a3_3&download=true. Accessed: 28 July 2026. 2. Calculation based on population size data of people over 15 years of age (16+). Source of population data: World Population Prospects 2019 [Internet]. United Nations; 2019. (Department of Economic and Social Affairs, editor. Population Division). Report No.: Rev. 1. Available from: https://population.un.org/wpp/Download/Standard/Population/
  3. 1. Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2021. Fact Sheet, Phillippines 2021. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/ncds/ncd-surveillance/data-reporting/philippines/gats/gats-philippines-national-2021-rev.pdf 2. Calculation based on population size data of people over 15 years of age (16+). Source of population data: World Population Prospects 2019 [Internet]. United Nations; 2019. (Department of Economic and Social Affairs, editor. Population Division). Report No.: Rev. 1. Available from: https://population.un.org/wpp/Download/Standard/Population/
  4. 1. Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2021 cited in WHO. (2025). WHO global report on trends in prevalence of tobacco use 2000–2024 and projections 2025–2030 (6th edn). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240116276 2. Calculation based on population size data of people over 15 years of age (16+). Source of population data: World Population Prospects 2019 [Internet]. United Nations; 2019. (Department of Economic and Social Affairs, editor. Population Division). Report No.: Rev. 1. Available from: https://population.un.org/wpp/Download/Standard/Population/
Comments:
  1. In Philippines, GATS was conducted in 2015 as a household survey of persons 15 years of age and older. A multi-stage, geographically clustered sample design was used to produce nationally representative data. There were a total of 11,644 completed individual interviews. World Population Prospects 2019 [Internet]. United Nations; 2019. (Department of Economic and Social Affairs, editor. Population Division). Report No.: Rev. 1. Available from: https://population.un.org/wpp/Download/Standard/Population/
  2. Adults survey: Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), 2021; National, ages 15+ World Population Prospects 2019 [Internet]. United Nations; 2019. (Department of Economic and Social Affairs, editor. Population Division). Report No.: Rev. 1. Available from: https://population.un.org/wpp/Download/Standard/Population/
Year Value Reference/Comment
2015 0.8% 2A A
2021 2.1% 2B B
2021 2.1% 2C
2021 2.1% 2D
References:
  1. Global Adult Tobacco Survey, 2015. Available at:https://nccd.cdc.gov/GTSSDataSurveyResources/Ancillary/DataReports.aspx?CAID=1
  2. WHO. WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023 Country Profile: Philippines. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-phl.pdf?sfvrsn=f07430a3_3&download=true. Accessed: 28 July 2026.
  3. Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2021. Fact Sheet, Phillippines 2021. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/ncds/ncd-surveillance/data-reporting/philippines/gats/gats-philippines-national-2021-rev.pdf
  4. Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2021 cited in WHO. (2025). WHO global report on trends in prevalence of tobacco use 2000–2024 and projections 2025–2030 (6th edn). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240116276
Comments:
  1. In Philippines, GATS was conducted in 2015 as a household survey of persons 15 years of age and older. A multi-stage, geographically clustered sample design was used to produce nationally representative data. There were a total of 11,644 completed individual interviews.
  2. Adults survey: Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), 2021; National, ages 15+
Year Value Reference/Comment
2021 0.5% 2A A
2021 0.5% 2B
2021 0.5% 2C
References:
  1. WHO. WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023 Country Profile: Philippines. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-phl.pdf?sfvrsn=f07430a3_3&download=true. Accessed: 28 July 2026.
  2. Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2021. Fact Sheet, Phillippines 2021. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/ncds/ncd-surveillance/data-reporting/philippines/gats/gats-philippines-national-2021-rev.pdf
  3. Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2021 cited in WHO. (2025). WHO global report on trends in prevalence of tobacco use 2000–2024 and projections 2025–2030 (6th edn). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240116276
Comments:
  1. Adults survey: Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), 2021; National, ages 15+
Year Value Reference/Comment
2021 3.6% 2A A
2021 3.6% 2B
2021 3.6% 2C
References:
  1. WHO. WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023 Country Profile: Philippines. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-phl.pdf?sfvrsn=f07430a3_3&download=true. Accessed: 28 July 2026.
  2. Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2021. Fact Sheet, Phillippines 2021. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/ncds/ncd-surveillance/data-reporting/philippines/gats/gats-philippines-national-2021-rev.pdf
  3. Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2021 cited in WHO. (2025). WHO global report on trends in prevalence of tobacco use 2000–2024 and projections 2025–2030 (6th edn). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240116276
Comments:
  1. Adults survey: Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), 2021; National, ages 15+
Year Value Reference/Comment
2015 2.8% 3A A
2021 5.7% 3B
References:
  1. Global Adult Tobacco Survey, 2015. Available at:https://nccd.cdc.gov/GTSSDataSurveyResources/Ancillary/DataReports.aspx?CAID=1
  2. Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2021. Fact Sheet, Phillippines 2021. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/ncds/ncd-surveillance/data-reporting/philippines/gats/gats-philippines-national-2021-rev.pdf
Comments:
  1. In Philippines, GATS was conducted in 2015 as a household survey of persons 15 years of age and older. A multi-stage, geographically clustered sample design was used to produce nationally representative data. There were a total of 11,644 completed individual interviews.
References:
  1. 1. Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2021 cited in WHO. (2025). WHO global report on trends in prevalence of tobacco use 2000–2024 and projections 2025–2030 (6th edn). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240116276 2. Calculation based on population size data of people over 15 years of age (16+). Source of population data: World Population Prospects 2019 [Internet]. United Nations; 2019. (Department of Economic and Social Affairs, editor. Population Division). Report No.: Rev. 1. Available from: https://population.un.org/wpp/Download/Standard/Population/
  2. Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2021 cited in WHO. (2025). WHO global report on trends in prevalence of tobacco use 2000–2024 and projections 2025–2030 (6th edn). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240116276
  3. Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2021. Fact Sheet, Phillippines 2021. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/ncds/ncd-surveillance/data-reporting/philippines/gats/gats-philippines-national-2021-rev.pdf

Product promotion

Year Value Reference/Comment
2017 or earlier No
2022 Yes 1A
References:
  1. Tobacco Control Laws. Legislation by Country/Jurisdiction Philippines. Available at: https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/philippines/e-cigarettes/main-policies. Accessed: 21 July 2026.
Year Value Reference/Comment
2017 or earlier Yes A
2021 Yes 2A
References:
  1. Global Tobacco Control. Country Laws Regulating E-Cigarettes. Available at: https://www.globaltobaccocontrol.org/en/policy-scan/e-cigarettes/countries?country=124. Accessed: 22 July 2026.
Comments:
  1. Allowed or banned at place of sale or allowed or banned in all media.
References:
  1. Tobacco Control Laws. Legislation by Country/Jurisdiction Philippines. Available at: https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/philippines/e-cigarettes/main-policies. Accessed: 21 July 2026.
  2. Global Tobacco Control. Country Laws Regulating E-Cigarettes. Available at: https://www.globaltobaccocontrol.org/en/policy-scan/e-cigarettes/countries?country=124. Accessed: 22 July 2026.

Regulation

Year Value Reference/Comment
2017 or earlier Allowed 1A
2022 Allowed 1B
References:
  1. Data cross-referenced where possible using the following sources :1. Vapetrotter website. Available at: https://www.vapetrotter.com/laws/ ; 2. Global tobacco control website. Available at:https://www.globaltobaccocontrol.org/node/14052 ; 3. Tobacco Control Laws website. Available at : https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/
  2. Tobacco Control Laws. Legislation by Country/Jurisdiction Philippines. Available at: https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/philippines/e-cigarettes/main-policies. Accessed: 21 July 2026.
Yes
2 A
2022
References:
  1. Tobacco Control Laws. Legislation by Country/Jurisdiction Philippines. Available at: https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/philippines/e-cigarettes/main-policies. Accessed: 21 July 2026.
  2. Republic Act No. 11900, RA 11900 (2022). https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2022/ra_11900_2022.html
Comments:
  1. E-cigarettes, HTPs and novelty tobacco products, such as snus and nicotine pouches, are currently covered by RA 11900, where they are considered consumer products unless they contain medical claims - in which case they first require FDA approval. E-cigarettes, HTPs and novelty tobacco products, such as snus and nicotine pouches, are currently covered by RA 11900, where they are considered consumer products unless they contain medical claims - in which case they first require FDA approval.

Availability

References:
  1. Tobacco Control Laws. Legislation by Country/Jurisdiction Philippines. Available at: https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/philippines/e-cigarettes/main-policies. Accessed: 21 July 2026.
Comments:
  1. Retail sales require license.

Regulations and restrictions

Year Value Reference/Comment
2017 or earlier YES
2022 YES 1A
References:
  1. Tobacco Control Laws. Legislation by Country/Jurisdiction Philippines. Available at: https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/philippines/e-cigarettes/main-policies. Accessed: 21 July 2026.
YES
1
2022
Year Value Reference/Comment
2017 or earlier Yes: 21 years
2021 Yes: 21 years 2A
References:
  1. Global Tobacco Control. Country Laws Regulating E-Cigarettes. Available at: https://www.globaltobaccocontrol.org/en/policy-scan/e-cigarettes/countries?country=124. Accessed: 22 July 2026.
Year Value Reference/Comment
2017 or earlier YES
2022 NO 1A
References:
  1. Tobacco Control Laws. Legislation by Country/Jurisdiction Philippines. Available at: https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/philippines/e-cigarettes/main-policies. Accessed: 21 July 2026.
65 mg/ml
1 A
2022
Year Value Reference/Comment
2017 or earlier YES
2021 YES 2A
References:
  1. Global Tobacco Control. Country Laws Regulating E-Cigarettes. Available at: https://www.globaltobaccocontrol.org/en/policy-scan/e-cigarettes/countries?country=124. Accessed: 22 July 2026.
References:
  1. Tobacco Control Laws. Legislation by Country/Jurisdiction Philippines. Available at: https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/philippines/e-cigarettes/main-policies. Accessed: 21 July 2026.
  2. Global Tobacco Control. Country Laws Regulating E-Cigarettes. Available at: https://www.globaltobaccocontrol.org/en/policy-scan/e-cigarettes/countries?country=124. Accessed: 22 July 2026.
Comments:
  1. Sale of e-cigarettes containing nicotine concentrations above 65 mg/ml is banned.

Publications

Nov
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The GSTHR database is updated regularly by our team. However, please be aware that the information we provide does not constitute legal advice. We cannot guarantee that the information is up to date or accurate, as the regulatory status of different product categories can change at short notice and with little publicity. If you wish to check the legal status of use or possession of any safer nicotine product in a specific country or region, you should verify the information independently. If you have reason to think that the information supplied on the GSTHR is inaccurate, please contact us with details and any references and we will rectify any errors.