FLARE and SHFT claimed 'full compliance' online — DTI said neither had a license

In December 2024, two vape brands took to social media to assert their regulatory standing in the Philippines. FLARE falsely claimed it was in full compliance with government regulations; SHFT shared unauthorized photos of DTI personnel, implying the department's endorsement. Neither brand held a valid Philippine Standard (PS) License, the authorisation required to sell vape products in the Philippine market.

The Department of Trade and Industry, through its Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products (OSMV), firmly refuted both brands: the posts were misleading, misrepresented the department's role, and breached consumer protection law. DTI listed the nine brands that did hold valid PS licenses — DON BARS, KLIQ, ONE BAR, PHANTOM VAPE, RELX, TOMORO, TRUEZ, VAGEND and X-VAPE — and urged consumers to report errant retailers.

Cited were Republic Act 7394, the Consumer Act, which prohibits false, deceptive or misleading advertising, and Department Administrative Order No. 2 s.2007, which forbids disseminating false information or concealing material facts in ads. DTI warned that failing to secure and maintain PS licenses carries penalties or suspension of trading operations.