The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has ordered tobacco and vapor product manufacturers, importers, and exporters to register their brands and variants within six months or face penalties, according to BusinessWorld. Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 86-2026, published on July 31, provides an updated registry covering 192 entries across 14 manufacturer, importer, and exporter classifications.
The registration requirement is part of the BIR's efforts to strengthen tax administration and monitoring of excisable products. By maintaining a centralized registry of brands and variants, the agency can better track production and sales volumes, which helps ensure that excise taxes on tobacco and vapor products are properly assessed and collected.
Non-compliance within the prescribed period could subject firms to penalties under existing tax regulations. The circular applies to both traditional tobacco products and newer vapor alternatives, reflecting the government's continued focus on regulating and taxing these goods.