Manila: The Department of Finance (DOF) on Monday expressed support to a new resolution issued by the Inter-Agency Committee on Tobacco (IAC-Tobacco) requiring online tobacco sellers to implement stricter age verification systems to strengthen tobacco regulation and shield minors from exposure to harmful products.

According to Philippines News Agency, as a member of the IAC-Tobacco, the DOF helps oversee the implementation of Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003. The Committee recently passed IAC-Tobacco Resolution No. 01, Series of 2025, which ensures that no person below 18 years old can view, access, purchase, or sell cigarettes or tobacco products online.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto stated, 'Sa pamamagitan ng resolution na ito, mas mahigpit nating makokontrol ang pagbenta at distribusyon ng mga tobacco products. Laging handa ang DOF na tumulong upang matiyak na maayos ang pamamahala sa mga produktong ito, lalo na sa pagprotekta sa ating mga kabataan (With this resolution, we will be able to strictly control the sale and distribution of tobacco products. The DOF is always ready to help ensure the proper management of these products while also protecting our youth).'

Under the resolution, all online business operators, including e-marketplaces, digital platforms, and e-retailers, are mandated to install or enhance robust age verification systems to ensure full compliance with the law. Online business operators refer to business establishments selling cigarettes and tobacco products through the internet, e-marketplaces, digital platforms, and e-retailers.

The resolution directs e-marketplaces and digital platforms to conduct due diligence over online merchants and implement necessary measures to ensure compliance with the law. They are required to submit to the IAC-Tobacco proof of compliance within 90 days after the publication of the resolution.