The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported that it has confiscated uncertified fireworks and issued Notice of Violation (NOV) to some vendors during its monitoring and enforcement in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Assistant Secretary Amanda Marie F. Nograles of the DTI Consumer Group said four establishments out of 33 have been issued NOVs for selling fireworks not covered by the Philippine Standard (PS) license and for using an improper PS mark, resulting in the seizure of a total of 1,543 products. 

Retail stores were given 48 hours to provide an explanation related to the findings of non-compliance as part of the due process. The DTI team conducted their operations Thursday, Dec. 21, in Bocaue, known as the fireworks capital of the country.

The inspection and monitoring operation aims to ensure technical regulations of fireworks are being observed. 

Nograles stressed that DTI monitors and inspects the operations of fireworks and firecrackers' manufacturers to ensure safety of their products. They also check on the manufacturers’ capability. 

Manufacturers are issued the PS mark for those product categories that are allowed in the country. Those with no PS marks are illegal products. Imported finished firecrackers are banned. 

Nograles has urged the public to prioritize product safety. She emphasized the importance of verifying product labels, specifically checking for the PS mark accompanied by a valid license number. This verification, she explained, is crucial for ensuring the quality and safety of the product. 

Additionally, Nograles reminded consumers to exercise vigilance by checking the official list of licensed manufacturers and models. She cautioned that not all PS marks may be legitimate. 

Likewise, the DTI reminds the consumers to check and be guided by the list of PS-licensed fireworks issued by the DTI-BPS. As of 13 December 2023, there are 15 local brand names and their corresponding manufacturers listed with PS-license, including 4Sure Fireworks, A. Santiago Fireworks, Andy’s Fireworks, Double L, Dragon Fireworks, Diamond, LF Fireworks, LLF, Maribel Sta. Ana Fireworks, Nation, Pegasus, Phoenix, Star Light, Yangco Fireworks, and JPL Fireworks. 

The enforcement of the uncertified fireworks is pursuant to Republic Act (RA) No. 7183 or the Law on Pyrotechnic Devices, which prohibits the importation of finished firecrackers and fireworks. 

The DTI's nationwide initiative against unlicensed fireworks highlights the enforcement of technical regulations, mandating compliance with Philippine Standard Certification Mark Schemes, particularly Department Administrative Order No. 02, Series of 2007. The said enforcement focuses on compliance under General Categories 1, 2, and 3, as specified in Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 22-08 Series of 2022. 

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 111 products and systems through implementing Mandatory Product Certification Schemes: the PS Quality and/or Safety Certification Mark Licensing Scheme and the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Certification Scheme. 

From January to November 2023, DTI’s Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau has already confiscated 129,701 pieces of uncertified products worth P38,199,688.58.  

DTI also encourages consumers to report retailers, distributors, and manufacturers that sell unlicensed fireworks. Consumer complaints may also be sent through  [email protected] email or by calling the consumer care hotline at 1-DTI (1-384).