Are Nicotine Pouches Legal in the Philippines? (Yes, With New Certification Rules)

By PouchGuide Editorial Team · Published October 12, 2026

Yes, nicotine pouches are legal in the Philippines. They’re covered by the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act (RA 11900), overseen by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). In 2026 the DTI moved pouches under mandatory Philippine Standard (PS) certification. Once the one-year transition ends, only pouches from PS-licensed manufacturers may be imported, distributed or sold.

This is general information, not legal advice. Check official sources before you buy or travel.

What law covers nicotine pouches in the Philippines?

RA 11900 (2022) regulates vapes, heated tobacco and other “novel” nicotine products. The DTI handles consumer products under the law. The Food and Drug Administration gets involved only if a product makes medical claims, such as helping people quit. Pouch rules are lighter than those for traditional oral tobacco.

What is the DTI’s new certification rule?

In April 2026 the DTI published a draft order putting nicotine pouches under its PS Licensing Scheme. Local reports say it was issued as Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 26-07, Series of 2026. Under the draft:

• A nicotine pouch is defined as “a novel tobacco product in the form of pre-portioned pouches containing nicotine.”
• Pouches can be imported, distributed or sold only if they come from a facility with a valid PS license.
• Retail packs must list nicotine content, batch or lot number, allergens, the PS mark, health warnings, and manufacturer and importer details, in English or Filipino.
• No one may alter pouches or packaging after manufacture.
• Industry gets a one-year transition to comply.

The draft also referenced a cap of 20 mg of nicotine per pouch. We couldn’t confirm the signed order’s final text or start date, so treat the exact deadline and cap as provisional.

What does this mean for buyers?

For now, pouches are sold openly in the Philippines, including online. Once the transition ends, look for the PS mark on the can. Uncertified products, which include many cheap imports, will no longer be legal to sell. As with other nicotine products, sales to minors are prohibited.

Can travelers bring nicotine pouches to the Philippines?

The new rules cover selling, not personal use. Bringing a reasonable personal supply is generally fine, but keep pouches in their original packaging. See our travel guide.

How the Philippines compares

The Philippines is one of the most open markets in Southeast Asia. Thailand treats pouches as tobacco and bans online sales. Malaysia limits them to pharmacists, and Singapore prohibits them.

Bottom line

Nicotine pouches are legal in the Philippines under RA 11900. The DTI is now requiring PS certification, so within about a year only certified, properly labeled pouches can be sold. See our legal status tracker for other countries.