The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB), sealed uncertified steel products worth PHP245,249.00 during its heightened technical regulations enforcement in Cavite, on 14 July 2022.

Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Atty. Ruth B. Castelo and FTEB Officer-In-Charge Assistant Director Atty. Joseph Manuel P. Pamittan led the DTI enforcement teams in visiting five (5) hardware stores in Silang and Dasmariñas, Cavite.

The intense enforcement of DTI technical regulations mandating compliance with Philippine Standard Certification Mark Schemes, particularly Department Administrative Order No. 02, Series of 2007 has led to the sealing of 191 uncertified low-carbon steel wires and GI steel pipes worth Php217, 548; and 49 uncertified equal-leg steel angle bars worth PHP27,881.00.

The DTI thereby issued Notices of Violation (NOV) to the non-compliant stores. Furthermore, the enforcement teams also purchased samples of uncertified products to determine if the items are compliant with the technical requirements or parameters set by the DTI-Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) under its mandatory certification scheme or process.

“The DTI-FTEB enforcement teams’ commitment to ensuring safe and reliable building and construction materials within NCR and even in regions, reflects the Department’s dedication to providing consumers with the highest quality of materials,” said Usec. Atty. Ruth B. Castelo.

Last 11 July 2022, FTEB also conducted intense enforcement of technical regulations in Manila that led to the seizure and sealing of Php108,000.00 worth of uncertified products. In addition, from January to June 2022, the bureau has already confiscated 84,119 pieces of uncertified products worth Php21,139,676.89.

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 implements two (2) Mandatory Product Certification Schemes: the Philippine Standard (PS) Quality and/or Safety Certification Mark Licensing Scheme and the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Certification Scheme.

Currently, there are 87 products and systems under the BPS’ Mandatory Product Certification Schemes, including steel products such as BI/GI steel pipes, deformed steel bars, equal-leg steel angle bars, rerolled steel bars, low-carbon steel wires, and steel wire nails. The DTI enjoins consumers to report retailers, distributors, and manufacturers that sell uncertified steel products, through the Consumer Care Hotline at DTI (1-384) or consumercare@dti.gov.ph. ♦

Date of Release: 27 July 2022