The Bureau of Customs has officially issued the updated excise tax rates on alcohol, tobacco, and vapor products following the annual rate adjustments mandated by law. The new rates took effect on January 15, 2026, in line with Management Information System and Technology Group (MISTG) Memo No. 01-2026 dated January 14, 2026.
According to the memo issued by the MISTG, the revised excise tax rates have already been integrated into the Bureau’s Electronic-to-Mobile (E2M) System to ensure the accurate assessment and collection of duties and taxes on covered products.
The implementation is pursuant to Sections 141, 142, and 144 of Republic Act No. 11467, which provides for higher excise taxes on alcohol and emerging products, as well as Section 145 of Republic Act No. 11346 of the National Internal Revenue Code, which governs excise taxes on tobacco products.
Updated Excise Tax Rates
For alcohol products, distilled spirits are now subject to an ad valorem tax equivalent to 22% of the Net Retail Price, in addition to a specific tax of PHP 74.16 per liter. Wine is imposed a specific tax of PHP 70.92 per liter.
For tobacco products, unmanufactured tobacco is taxed at PHP 2.92 per kilogram, while heated tobacco products are subject to an excise tax of PHP 37.63 per pack of 20 units.
For vapor products, nicotine salt or salt nicotine products are taxed at PHP 69.46 per 10 milliliters, while conventional freebase or classic nicotine products carry an excise tax of PHP 60.20 per milliliter.
Due to inherent system limitations, MISTG Memo No. 01-2026 said the computation of the ad valorem tax applicable to distilled spirits and cigars will be performed manually and as such, tax is determined based on the NRP of the product.
Moreover, the specific tax rate for vapor products depends on the specific nicotine category.
All importations, declarations, and customs assessments covering the above products and processed on or after January 15, 2026 are subject to the updated excise tax rates. Importers, customs brokers, and other stakeholders are advised to ensure that declarations are accurate and compliant with the revised rates to avoid delays, reassessments, or penalties.
The Bureau emphasized that the timely integration of the new rates into the E2M System supports efficient revenue collection and strengthens compliance with national tax laws.
The BOC reiterated its commitment to the faithful implementation of tax reforms and encouraged stakeholders to coordinate with concerned customs offices for further clarification or guidance.
Here’s a summary of the 2026 Excise Tax Rates based on the latest issuance:
| COMMODITY | 2026 EXCISE TAX RATE |
|---|---|
| ALCOHOL | |
| Distilled Spirits | P74.16/Proof Liter 22% of Net Retail Price |
| Sparkling Wine | P 70.92/Liter |
| Still Wine | P 70.92/Liter |
| Fermented Liquor | P48.31/Liter |
| TOBACCO PRODUCTS | |
| a) Tobacco twisted by hand or reduced into a condition to be consumed in any manner other than the ordinary mode of drying and curing; (b) Tobacco prepared or partially prepared with or without the use of any machine or instruments or without being pressed or sweetened; and (c) Fine-cut shorts and refuse, scraps, clippings, cuttings, sterns and sweepings of tobacco | P2.92/Kilogram |
Heated Tobacco and Heated Tobacco Product | P 37.63/pack of 20 units or any packaging combinations of not more than twenty (20) uni |
| Vapor Products Nicotine Salt or Salt Nicotine Conventional Freebase or Classic Nicotine | P60.20/Milliliter or P69.46/10 Milliliter (The specific tax rate for vapor products depends on the specific nicotine category) |
Chewing and sucking tobacco | Chewing and sucking tobacco P2.49/Kilogram |
| Cigars | Specific Tax Rate P855/Cigar Ad Valorem Tax Rate |
| 20% of Net Retail Price | |
| Cigarettes | P69.46/Pack of 20’s |
| NON-ESSENTIAL GOODS | |
| Jewelry (Real or imitation), pearls, precious stones, perfumes, toilet waters, pleasure yachts | 20% based on dutiable value (Remains unchanged) |
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