The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has sealed off 126,934 pieces of uncertified products worth over P37.305 million from January to October this 2022.
The latest inspection also involved 20 retailers in Paranaque for selling uncertified products worth P850,000.
Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Atty. Ruth B. Castelo said that DTI through the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) served Notices of Violation (NOV) to 20 out of the 50 retail firms during an inspection in Parañaque from October 10 to 14, 2022.
FTEB Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Assistant Director Atty. Joseph Manuel P. Pamittan, led the enforcement teams in their 7-day streak of heightened operations in Parañaque. The teams inspected firms in San Antonio, Don Galo, San Dionisio, Baclaran, Santo Niño, Don Bosco, San Martin de Porres, B. F. Homes, San Isidro, Sucat, and Multinational Village.
The enforcement efforts cracked down uncertified electric irons, electric rice cookers, electric juicers, induction cookers, electric blenders, electric grills, electric stoves, electric fans, electric food mixers, extension cords, low carbon steel wires, motor vehicle brake fluid, ceramic plumbing fixtures (sanitary wares), self-ballasted LED lamps, tires for automotive vehicles, and lead-acid storage batteries worth P859,269.70.00.
The non-compliant firms were issued Notices of Violation (NOVs), mandating them to explain within 48 hours from the receipt of the notice.
The DTI also confiscated over P2 million uncertified products in Pampanga in an earlier inspection among retailer last Sept. 29.
The teams inspected firms in Angeles City, San Simon, Arayat, Mabalacat, and Mexico; and cracked down 3,202 pieces of uncertified self-ballasted LED lamps, single-capped fluorescent lamps, ceramic plumbing fixtures (sanitary wares), pipes (uPVC) for potable water supply, uPVC rigid electrical conduit, low carbon steel wires, equal-Leg steel angle bars, GI steel pipes, rerolled steel bars, extension cord sets, monobloc chairs, electric blenders, snap switches, and tires for automotive vehicles worth P917,607.00.
Building from the successful kick-off, the DTI enforcement teams scanned San Simon, Minalin, Apalit, San Fernando, and Mexico, 11 October; where DTI cracked down 2,963 pieces of uncertified products worth Php1,222,607.00. The sealed products include tires for automotive vehicles, low carbon steel wires, pipes (uPVC) for potable water supply, deformed steel bars, low carbon steel wires, ceramic plumbing fixtures (sanitary wares), tires for automotive vehicles, and PVC electrical tapes.
Out of the 28 firms inspected in the province, 21 non-compliant firms were issued Notices of Violation (NOVs), mandating them to explain within 48 hours from the receipt of the notice.
The nationwide campaign of DTI against uncertified items in the market underscores the enforcement of DTI technical regulations mandating compliance with Philippine Standard Certification Mark Schemes, particularly Department Administrative Order No. 02, Series of 2007.
The nationwide campaign of DTI against uncertified items in the market underscores the enforcement of DTI technical regulations mandating compliance with Philippine Standard Certification Mark Schemes, particularly Department Administrative Order No. 02, Series of 2007.
“We continuously remind retailers to practice fair and ethical business; and to protect themselves by expanding their awareness of the mandatory certification and markings,” said Castelo.
“The DTI upholds consumer protection not only by ensuring that only certified products are being sold in the market but also by educating consumers and businesses on the mandatory certification that they have to observe and comply with,” said Castelo.
To protect consumers or potential buyers of electrical and electronic products; mechanical or building and construction materials; and chemical and other consumer products and systems, DTI-BPS regulates 87 products and systems through implementing Mandatory Product Certification Schemes: the Philippine Standard (PS) Quality and/or Safety Certification Mark Licensing Scheme and the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Certification Scheme.
The DTI enjoins consumers to report retailers, distributors, and manufacturers that sell necessities above their SRPs, through the Consumer Care Hotline at DTI (1-384) or [email protected].