Vape Flavor Ban Update: How It Affects Your Vaping Experience

The vape flavor ban shocked many Filipinos when it was first introduced. Before, vapers had an array of e-juice flavors and got excited whenever a new one came out. In recent months, vapers only have two options: menthol and tobacco.

The Philippine government implemented the vape flavor ban months before the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulations Act or the Vape Bill 2022 lapsed into law in July 2022. Things changed when the vape regulation took effect.

Among the different rules of this law are the flavor-related guidelines, which many vapers are anxiously waiting to find out.

If you’re one of those people who’ve recently switched to vaping, keep reading to know if the vape flavor ban is still ongoing or not.

Vape Flavor Ban History

First, let’s start with a brief history of the local vape flavor ban. Lasting from May 25, 2022, until July 23 of the same year, it allowed only pure tobacco and menthol for sale. During this period, stores like RELX Philippines stopped offering flavored vape products. Those used to fruity and dessert-like liquid flavors had to puff away with two choices.

The flavor ban was in line with the guidelines of Republic Act No. 11467, which prohibited the sale of vapor products with flavorings other than plain tobacco and plain menthol. The goal was to keep minors from vaping, as certain flavors could appeal to kids.

However, the situation changed when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. allowed the Vape Bill to be enacted on July 24, 2022. Aside from prohibiting minors from accessing vape products, the new law also regulates which flavors are available for vapers in the Philippines.

Current Regulations

On to the big question: is the vape flavor ban still ongoing? Things aren’t all that clear, but looking at the actual text of Republic Act No. 11900 may give some ideas on what to expect. Let’s break it down.

“The sale of Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products and Novel Tobacco Products that are packaged, labeled, presented, or marketed with flavor descriptors that are proven to unduly appealing, particularly minors, shall be prohibited.”

The law doesn’t specifically mention which flavors are allowed and banned. However, it prohibits vape products from using flavor descriptors that may attract children and teens.

What does a flavor descriptor mean? According to the law, “A flavor descriptor is presumed to unduly appeal to minors if it includes a reference to a fruit, candy brand, dessert, or cartoon character.” This section strongly indicates that stores can sell flavored e-juices again if they rename the products. 

What This Means for Vapers

Rejoice, vapers! You may find your old favorite e-juice flavors, albeit with a different name. Ask your local vape store if they’re planning to distribute new flavors.

Suppose you like using pure menthol and tobacco; more power to you! These underrated flavors are still available. You can find them in many places, including your local RELX store. It definitely makes your life easier as you can purchase new vape pods whenever you’re running out, without worrying if the nearby store has them or not.

With the current update on the flavor ban, it’s a good time to consider switching to vaping. You can have a good start with any RELX vape pen model, from the Essential to Infinity lineup. Experience a smooth and full-bodied vaping experience with your RELX!