G/TBT/N/PHL/364

8 April 2026

(26-2732)

Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade

Original: English

1.

Notifying Member: PHILIPPINES

If applicable, name of local government involved (Articles 3.2 and 7.2):

2.

Agency responsible:

Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products, their Devices, and Novel Tobacco Products (OSMV)

Department of Trade and Industry

Email: osmv@dti.gov.ph

3.

Notified under Article 2.9.2 [ ], 2.10.1 [X], 5.6.2 [ ], 5.7.1 [ ], 3.2 [ ], 7.2 [ ], Other:

4.

Products covered (HS codes or national tariff lines. ICS numbers may be provided in addition, where applicable): Tobacco, tobacco products and related equipment (ICS code(s): 65.160)

5.

Details of notified document(s) (title, number of pages and languages, means of access): Draft Department Administrative Order (DAO) concerning Implementing Guidelines Concerning The Mandatory Product Certification Of Nicotine Pouches; (6 page(s), in English)

Link to notified document(s) and/or contact details for agency or authority which can provide copies upon request:

https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2026/TBT/PHL/26_01939_00_e.pdf

ATTY. M. MARCUS N. VALDEZ II

Assistant Secretary and Supervising Head

Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products, their Devices, and Novel Tobacco Products (OSMV)

Department of Trade and Industry

Email: osmv@dti.gov.ph

6.

Description of content: The shortened commenting period of fifteen (15) days is respectfully proposed in view of the urgent public health considerations surrounding the draft issuance. Recent regulatory actions of department underscore the need to ensure that only compliant Novel Tobacco Products remain available in the market. In light of these developments, an expedited commenting period is deemed necessary to allow the prompt adoption of regulatory measures that will protect consumers and prevent further exposure to hazardous products.

7.

Objective and rationale, including the nature of urgent problems where applicable: Protection of human health or safety

8.

Relevant documents: -

9.

Proposed date of adoption: To be determined

Proposed date of entry into force: This Order shall take effect immediately after its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

10.

Provision of comments

Final date for comments: 22 April 2026

[ ] 60 days from notification

Contact details of agency or authority designated to handle comments regarding the notification:

Mr. Neil P. Catajay

Director

Bureau of Philippine Standards

Department of Trade and Industry

3F Trade and Industry Building

361 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue

Makati City

Philippines

1200

Tel: (632) 751 4700; (632) 7913128

Email: bps@dti.gov.ph

Website: http://www.bps.dti.gov.ph