The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB), bans the sale of uncertified household appliances, lighting devices, and ceramic products worth Php482,121.15 during the ramped up enforcement operation in Quezon City, 12 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 19 retail firms in Balintawak, Quezon City.
The focused enforcement of DTI technical regulations has seized 2,152 units of assorted consumer products particularly sanitary wares, electric kettles, electric grills, electric fans, washing machines, self-ballasted LED lamps, incandescent lamps, and ceramic tiles.
Consequently, seven (7) non-compliant firms were issued with a Notice of Violation (NOV), mandating them to explain within 48 hours from the receipt of the notice.
“The uncertified household appliances, lighting devices, and ceramic products that we sealed today surely translate to risks and hazards the moment they reach the homes of Filipino families. Thus, as long as we find these items in the Philippine market, regardless of their number or value, we will continue our enforcement operations,” said Usec. Castelo.
Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Atty. Ruth B. Castelo seals uncertified ceramic lavatory from a firm in Balintawak, Quezon City, 12 January 2023.
Usec. Castelo also emphasized that while focused enforcement operations are not against businesses and sellers, the Department will remain unfazed in upholding consumer safety and welfare.
Last 06 January 2023, the DTI also conducted enforcement operations in Banawe Street, Quezon City which obtained uncertified tires for automotive vehicles worth Php1,288,938.00.
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.
Likewise, the Department boosts its enforcement activities to advocate conformance to the Philippine National Standards (PNS).
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: 17 January 2023
