24/04/2026
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Health groups have filed complaints with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) questioning why unregulated ni****ne products continue to be sold and promoted.
ZYN brand ni****ne pouches have been touted as a healthier alternative to ci******es due to the absence of to***co and smoke. However, health experts warn that these products may still cause addiction and chronic disease.
Ni****ne and to***co products must be registered with the DTI in order to be sold legally in the country. However, ZYN has been sold in major local retailers since 2023 despite reportedly not being registered with the DTI.
The DTI has not commented on the matter. However, the agency released a document last April 8 containing initial guidelines on mandatory certification requirements for ni****ne pouches. The agency also held a public consultation on the issue in March 2026.
The complainants have also sought action on illegal promotions of to***co products that violate the V**e Law. ZYN, alongside v**e company IQOS, were documented to have sponsored the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City last January. The law prohibits promotion of v**e and to***co products at sports, concerts, cultural, or art events—especially where families and minors may be present.
Health experts have raised alarm over the rising number of minors using to***co products due to the popularity of v**es. Many children are attracted to va**ng due to flavors like bubblegum or cookies and cream. One in seven Filipino children aged 13 to 15—about 1.6 million adolescents—have reported using v**es, according to the 2019 Global Youth To***co Survey.
The complaints were filed by the Philippine Smoke-Free Movement, the Child Rights Network, Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc., Action on Smoking and Health Philippines, Imagine Law, Parents Against V**e, Youth Against V**e, and HealthJustice.
Report by Kiara Gorrospe
