DTI seeks public comment on scheme to certify novel tobacco products

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it is soliciting comment on a draft order that will subject novel tobacco products to mandatory certification.

The DTI is accepting comment on the draft until March 13, citing urgent public health considerations.

“Recent regulatory actions… underscore the need to ensure that only compliant novel tobacco products remain available in the market,” the DTI said in a social media post on Thursday.

“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.”

It said the reference Philippine National Standard for nicotine products will be PNS BSI PAS 8877:2024.

For certified novel tobacco products, nicotine content must not exceed 20 milligrams per pouch, with an allowable deviation of ± 10% from the declared value, in accordance with PNS BSI PAS 8877:2024.

The PH level of the product should fall within the safe oral-use range of 6 to 10.

Certified nicotine pouches must not contain any substance classified as a dangerous drug as defined by the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Among the requirements is a written declaration by the manufacturer, submitted as part of the application for the Philippine Standard (PS) License.

The draft order also details the marking, sampling and testing requirements for a nicotine product to be considered certified.

There will be a one-year transition period from the effectivity of the order to comply with the requirements of the PS Licensing Scheme.

The draft order applies to novel tobacco products, or non-combusted substances in solid or liquid form and innovations, either made partly of tobacco leaf as a raw material or containing nicotine from tobacco.

These products must be intended as a substitute for cigarettes or other combusted products.

Key examples of novel tobacco products are electronic cigarettes or vapes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz