MAKATI CITY — On 15 March, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) destructed uncertified products worth PhP 1,786,709.05, in line with the annual World Consumer Rights Day.

Consumer Protection Group Assistant Secretary Amanda Marie F. Nograles, together with Communications Undersecretary Ed Sunico and Fair-Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) Director Fhillip Sawali, led the destruction of 3,110 units of confiscated and forfeited products, including uncertified fireworks, helmets, monobloc chairs, sanitary wares, and vapor product devices or vape.

The ceremonial destruction affirms that consumer safety remains a priority for the DTI as the Department is steadfast in taking appropriate action against non-compliant, uncertified, and substandard products in the market.

This year’s World Consumer Rights Day theme, “Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers,” highlights the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in e-commerce.

The celebration is also a call for consumers to be more vigilant and purchase products that pass the Philippine National Standards (PNS). Meanwhile, certified items should carry the Philippine Standard (PS) Quality and/or safety mark and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers.

As echoed by DTI Secretary Fred Pascual, “The destruction of confiscated products is a strong warning to violators that the DTI stands to protect Filipino consumers. These uncertified products pose health and safety, and we will take all the necessary steps to keep them out of Filipino homes and market.”

To protect consumers of electrical and electronic products, mechanical or building and construction materials, and chemical products and systems, the DTI Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) regulates 111 products and systems through Mandatory Product Certification Schemes: the PS Quality and/or Safety Certification Mark Licensing Scheme and the ICC Certification Scheme.

The DTI urges consumers to report retailers, distributors, and manufacturers selling uncertified and non-conforming products, through calling the Consumer Care Hotline at DTI (1-384) or sending an email to consumercare@dti.gov.ph. ♦