The Department of Trade and Industry – Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (DTI-FTEB)’s month-long focused enforcement operations in October 2022 flagged as “Sweeptober” swept almost 5 million pesos worth of uncertified products from the National Capital Region (NCR).

DTI enforcement teams led by FTEB Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Director Atty. Marimel Dancel Porciuncula and OIC Assistant Director Atty. Joseph Manuel P. Pamittan topped off the 4-week streak of heightened enforcement in Pasig, Parañaque, Malabon, Caloocan, and Quezon City to ensure the availability of only safe and reliable consumer products.

The DTI enforcement teams kicked off the intensified operations in Pasig City, 3-7 October. The teams have clamped down on 719 pieces of uncertified ceramic plumbing fixtures (sanitary ware), electric blenders, electric fans, electric kettles, inner tubes for tires, low-carbon steel wires, rerolled steel bars, safety belts (seat belts), self-ballasted LED lamps, snap switches, and tires for automotive vehicles worth Php2,814,089.00.

Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) Atty. Marimel Dancel Porciuncula and FTEB-Product Standards Monitoring Division and Enforcement Division Chief Ms. Rosita P. Jaleco inspecting electric irons from a retail firm in Pasig City.

After Pasig, the teams inspected retail firms in Parañaque City, 10-14 October, which resulted in the crackdown of 366 pieces of uncertified products worth Php856,859.76. The sealed products include electric blenders, electric fans, electric food mixers, electric grills, electric irons, electric juicers, electric rice cookers, electric stoves, extension cord sets, induction cookers, lead-acid storage batteries, low-carbon steel wires, motor vehicle brake fluids, ceramic plumbing fixtures (sanitary wares), self-ballasted LED lamp, and tires for automotive vehicles.

Building on the successful operations, similar enforcement was conducted in Malabon and Caloocan City, 17-21 October. The teams seized 839 pieces of ceramic plumbing fixtures (sanitary wares), Edison screw lamp holders, electric fans, electric food mixers, electric kettles, PVC electrical tapes, extension cord sets, helmets and their visors, inner tubes for tires, low-carbon steel wires, monobloc chairs/stools, plugs, self-ballasted LED lamps, snap switches, socket-outlets, television sets, and tires for automotive vehicles worth Php341,771.50.

Ending the month strong, the firm enforcement operation in Quezon City, last 24-28 October has led to the sealing of 404 pieces of uncertified low-carbon steel wire, tires for automotive vehicles, electric coffee makers, and electric grills worth Php973,763.50.

Sealed tires for automotive vehicles from a retail firm in Caloocan City

Out of the 347 firms inspected, 61 non-compliant stores were issued Notices of Violation (NOVs), mandating them to explain within 48 hours from the receipt of the notice.

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.

FTEB OIC Director Atty. Porciuncula emphasized that the Department is consistent and steadfast in its enforcement activities to address the persistence of uncertified products in the market.

Meanwhile, Consumer Protection Group Officer-In-Charge Atty. Ann Claire C. Cabochan expressed full support by heading the enforcement operation in Quezon City.

“We express our support for legitimate businesses and issue a reminder for sellers to be compliant with our regulations. FTEB’s sustained efforts in the market through regular enforcement operations play a critical role in ensuring the welfare and safety of consumers,” said Asec. Atty. Cabochan.

The DTI’s “Sweeptober” was launched in celebration of Consumer Welfare Month 2022 with the theme, “Sustainable Consumerism in the Digital Age.”

Also in the same month, FTEB conducted periodic enforcement operations in Cagayan De Oro, Ifugao, Davao, Bulacan, and Pampanga.

From January to October 2022, DTI has already monitored 2,064, sealing 213,212 pieces of non-conforming products with an estimated retail value of Php64,768,851.49.

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 87 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 enjoins consumers to report retailers, distributors, and manufacturers that sell uncertified products, through the Consumer Care Hotline at DTI (1-384) or consumercare@dti.gov.ph.