The Department of Trade and Industry-Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (DTI-FTEB) reported a 305 percent increase in retail value of confiscated unregistered electricals and construction products in the National Capital Region alone in the first two months of the year.
In a report, the DTI-FTEB said they have confiscated a total of 7,551 pieces of uncertified products, with a retail value of P1.400 million during their random inspection activities from January 1 to February 28 this year. The value was 304 percent higher than the seized products in the same period last year wherein a total of 846 pieces of uncertified products, with a retail value of P346,704.00 seized by the FTEB.
Out of the 181 inspected establishments in NCR this year, 100 of which were issued Notices of Violation (NOVs) for selling products without the required Philippine Standard (PS) mark and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker certified and mandated by the DTI-Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS). Among the seized products are low carbon steel wires, sanitary wares, television sets, cement, extension cords, electric blender, brake fluid, circuit breakers, helmets, plugs, socket outlets, uPVC pipes, rerolled steel bars, and other consumer products that requires to undergo mandatory certification.
Pursuant to Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2:2007 and the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 4109 otherwise known as The Product Standards Law, products covered by the BPS mandatory product certification schemes, whether locally manufactured or imported, are required to bear the Philippine Standard (PS) mark or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker prior to market distribution.
“The PS marks and ICC stickers are the guide and assurance of our consumers that the products they purchase are safe and conforming to the relevant Philippine National Standards (PNS) mandated by the law,” DTI-Consumer Protection Group (DTI-CPG) Undersecretary Atty. Ruth B. Castelo said.
DTI-FTEB Concurrent Director Ronnel O. Abrenica noted that the positive performance of his Bureau was a result of recalibration of resources with the newly formed DTI-FTEB strike teams and redirection of focus on conducting intensified technical regulations enforcement and seizing operations on a regular basis.
“We kicked off the year strong and we will sustain this synergy to foster a heightened consumer protection in the country,” Abrenica added.
To check the list of products that should bear the PS mark and ICC sticker, consumers are advised to visit www.bps.dti.gov.ph. Consumers are encouraged to report establishments selling critical products in the market by calling 1-DTI (1-384) or by sending a consumer complaint to [email protected].