The House joint committees on Trade and Industry and Health approved the substitute bill regulating the manufacture, importation, sale, distribution, use, advertisement, promotion and sponsorship of ENDS and HTPs, Manila Bulletin reported.

The bill named “Non-Combustible Nicotine Delivery Systems Regulation Act of 2020,” aims to regulate ENDS/ENNDS and HTPs “in order to promote a healthy environment and protect the citizens from any hazards”.
“Despite the grim forecast of on tobacco related mortality, measures are being enforced to prevent it from worsening. Aside from the enactment of the Sin Tax Reform Law, safer alternatives to tobacco are being introduced in the Philippines,” Rep. Sharon S. Garin was quoted as saying. “The concept of ‘harm reduction’ has gained support from Filipino advocates over the years. Harm reduction refers to policies, and actions focused on reducing health risks, usually by providing safer forms of hazardous products,” she said.
According to the report, the bill provides that Department of Trade and Industry in consultation with the Food and Drug Administration, the National Tobacco Administration, and other concerned agencies shall promulgate rules, regulations, and standards, consistent with the provisions of the bill, on packaging, ingredients, graphic health warnings, detailed information on the allowable nicotine-containing e-liquid, the strength of e-liquids, compliance with applicable electrical standards as well as with applicable industry standards for batteries.
Existing industries and businesses affected by the implementation of this Act shall be given an 18-month transitory period from the effectivity of the implementing rules and regulations of this Act to comply with the requirements herein, the report said.