MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) have issued separate warnings against the sale and use of counterfeit and illicit tobacco products circulating in the local market.

The DTI, through its Office for Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine, Non-Nicotine Products, Their Devices and Novel Tobacco Products (OSMV), cautioned consumers about the widespread sale of counterfeit “Black Ultra” vapor products. The agency said the items are unauthorized, uncertified, and not connected to any legitimate manufacturer.

– Advertisement –

According to reports received by the DTI-OSMV, some distributors and retailers were misled into believing the products are part of the official X-Ultra line of X-Vape Technology Inc.

The DTI said the circulation of counterfeit “Black Ultra” products misleads consumers, poses serious health and safety risks due to unknown and unregulated ingredients, undermines fair competition, and tarnishes the reputation of legitimate vape brands.

Consumers were advised not to purchase or use “Black Ultra” products, which are illegal and not certified with the Philippine Standard (PS) License. The DTI also reminded retailers and distributors to verify their product lines and comply with Republic Act No. 11900, or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.

Meanwhile, the NTA warned the public against the sale and use of “Thuoc Lao,” a type of tobacco locally called “Tuklaw,” which has entered the country without authorization.

NTA administrator and chief executive Belinda Sanchez said the agency had not issued any import license for “Tuklaw.” It has been reported in recent news and social media posts that teenagers who used the product later exhibited seizure-like symptoms.

“Thuoc Lao,” a strong tobacco plant grown in the mountains of Northern Vietnam, is traditionally smoked through a bamboo pipe. Its nicotine content can reach as high as nine percent, far stronger than ordinary cigarettes which average only one to three percent. The variant sold in the Philippines is reportedly laced with synthetic cannabinoids and smuggled into the country, with sales taking place mostly online.

The NTA chief appealed to the public to immediately report sightings of “Tuklaw” in their communities, stressing that a collective effort is needed to curb the illicit tobacco trade.

Sanchez said illegal cigarettes are mainly smuggled from Indonesia and Malaysia through sea routes with entry points in Zamboanga, General Santos, Davao and Palawan.

“Increasing our efforts to fight the illicit tobacco trade will improve the country’s image in the global market. Raising our standards of curbing illicit trade through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach will enable our country to compete globally,” Sanchez said.

– Advertisement –