The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB), capped uncertified tires for automotive vehicles worth Php1,288,938.00 and issued Notices of Violation (NOV) to non-compliant firms during the enforcement operation in Quezon City, on 06 January 2023.

Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Atty. Ruth B. Castelo and FTEB OIC Assistant Director Atty. Joseph Manuel P. Pamittan led the DTI enforcement teams in inspecting 17 retail firms in Banawe Avenue, Quezon City.

The focused enforcement of DTI technical regulations has seized 479 units of uncertified tires for automotive vehicles; with ten (10) non-compliant firms issued with a Notice of Violation (NOV), mandating them to explain within 48 hours from the receipt of the notice.

Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo sealing uncertified tires for automotive vehicles from a firm in Quezon City, on 06 January 2023.

Usec. Castelo underscored that the Department boosts its enforcement activities to ensure that tires for automotive vehicles conform to PNS 25:1994 or the Philippine National Standard for pneumatic tires.

“DTI steps up the enforcement operations against uncertified tires for automotive vehicles as they are a pivotal part of cars. Hence, safeguarding the quality of tires that proliferates the market upholds road safety and protects car owners and passengers,” said Usec. Castelo.

Apart from its intense enforcement of technical regulations in the National Capital Region, DTI-FTEB also conducts simultaneous operations in other Regions to expand its advocacy on consumer protection and education.

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.

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 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 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.

Date of release: 10 January 2023