By Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat
All imported flat glass must pass the quality standards for ICC (Import Clearance Certification) and all manufacturing plants must be PS-certified (Philippine National Standards) to ensure safety on the use of this major construction material, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) ordered.
Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez (Bloomberg)
DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez signed the Department Administrative Order (DAO) on Friday requiring mandatory compliance requirements on all flat glass. This means that all imported flat glass must be ICC-certified and glass manufacturing plants must bear the PS mark.
“This is to ensure quality standard and protection of consumers,” said Lopez. The DAO will take effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
The DAO prescribes the technical regulations for mandatory PS Licensing Scheme for the glass products covered by the particular PNS whether locally manufactured or imported.
The DAO also requires a statement of confirmation, a document stating that the imported glass product was sourced from a glass manufacturer with a valid PS License and that the imported glass product from said glass manufacturer complies with specified requirements after undergoing inspection and verification and should contain the batch number and manufacturing date of the imported glass.
For safety, traceability and accountability purposes, the DAO requires that only glass products sourced from glass manufacturing plants holding a valid PS Quality and or Safety Certification Mark License shall be permitted to be distributed, sold and used in the Philippines.
Product testing shall be conducted by the DTI’s Bureau of Product Standards-recognized testing laboratory. Results of tests shall be evaluated based on the requirements of the standards and the acceptance quality limit prescribed.
Any incorrect references to the certification scheme, misleading use of PS licenses, SOC, marks or any other mechanisms indicating that a product is certified found in documentation or publicity materials or any breach hereof, shall be a ground for the issuance of “Show Cause Order.”