The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) inspected 65 establishments selling vape products during a nationwide operation on October 7, 2026, as part of its intensified campaign against illicit vapor products and tax violations.
The Tax Compliance Verification Drive covered five revenue regions: Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Laguna, Quezon and Marinduque, the Negros Island Region, and Cagayan de Oro City. The operations resulted in 18 apprehension slips and the documentation of 19 violations.
BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza said the coordinated inspections aim to protect government revenues, promote fair competition, and hold businesses accountable for violations of tax laws.
“We warned, and we acted. The nationwide inspections send a clear message that the illegal trade of vape products will not be tolerated,” Mendoza said.
The bureau said it would continue intelligence driven inspections and monitoring activities to curb the sale and distribution of noncompliant products, urging vape businesses to comply with applicable tax laws and regulations.
