The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Fair
Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB), issued Notices of Violation (NOV) to
non-compliant firms in the National Capital Region (NCR) for selling
uncertified liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for household use and seized uncertified
LPG cylinders.
The DTI reported Wednesday, March 22, that FTEB seized 195
uncertified LPG cylinders from January to 8 March 2023. As DTI-FTEB heightens
inspection of firms, non-compliant firms were directed to explain why they sell
these products and disclose their suppliers within 48 hours from receipt
thereof.
"For the past months, we have been receiving reports
regarding the sale of uncertified LPG cylinders, we acknowledge the need for us
in government to curb this malpractice as this does not only pose enormous
threat to the safety of Filipino consumers but can also potentially affect our
local LPG manufacturers,” DTI Secretary Fred Pascual said.
Through FTEB, Pascual said DTI has tightened inspection and
monitoring and was able to seize a number of uncertified cylinders. “We assure
the local LPG industry that the DTI will take necessary action against those
selling these substandard and uncertified LPGs and will continue to protect our
local industries,” he said.
Meanwhile, Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary
Ruth Castelo said that DTI is one with the other government agencies in the
campaign against uncertified LPG cylinders to ensure safe products for consumers.
Castelo also emphasized that DTI-CPG’s relentless and firm
enforcement initiatives not only protect consumers but also the LPG industry as
such would prevent untoward incidents that might tend to cause business
losses.
“As we always reiterate, we do not want to disrupt
businesses while we protect the consumers. However, we will appropriately act
against violators selling substandard and uncertified LPG cylinders,” Castelo added.
Last year, the DTI issued Department Administrative Order
(DAO) 22-11 series of 2022, known as “The New Technical Regulation Concerning
The Mandatory Certification of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Pressure Vessels,
Systems, Services, and Ancillary Products,” to require certification among
domestically manufactured and imported LPG pressure vessels, ancillary
products, and LPG-related systems.
The said issuance supports Republic Act No. 11592 or the LPG
Industry Regulation Act, which intensifies penalties on illegal refilling and
improper transport of LPG tanks, the selling of low-quality and defective
cylinders, and operating without a business permit from the Department of
Energy (DOE).
DTI’s nationwide campaign 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.
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 – Bureau of Philippine
Standards (DTI-BPS) covered products and systems by implementing
the 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 urges consumers to report retailers, distributors,
and manufacturers that sell uncertified items, through the Consumer Care
Hotline at DTI (1-384) or consumercare@dti.gov.ph.