The Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) conducted a stakeholders’ forum on the new Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers attended by importers and other BPS stakeholders last 27 July 2018 at the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. corner Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.

The half-day forum focused on the new security features of the ICC stickers that are now equipped with a QR code to improve the DTI-BPS’ monitoring, registration, and, verification system of certified products; and, provides better feedback mechanism from the public.

DTI-BPS Director-in-Charge Engr. James E. Empeño speaks before the participants of the stakeholders’ forum.

“While the Department through its BPS, updates and improves the security features of the ICC stickers every three (3) years, it is imperative that inputs from the stakeholders, particularly the private sectors, are gathered,” DTI-BPS Director-in-Charge Engr. James E. Empeño stressed.

One of the important security features is the QR Code that will enable the DTI and its stakeholders to validate necessary information for verification and traceability purposes especially during enforcement activities.

When scanned, the QR code unique to each importer will display the name of the importer, products covered, types/models covered, ICC certificate number, address of the importer, and other contact/information details. The QR code system is currently under development and will be available for smartphone download soon.

“The DTI emphasizes that this streamlining of procedures through the new ICC stickers is a government measure to enable business and simultaneously empower consumers,” DTI-Consumer Protection Group (DTI-CPG) Undersecretary Atty. Ruth B. Castelo asserts.

DTI-BPS Assistant Director Atty. Marimel D. Porciuncula further stressed, “With more and more products emerging in the market these days, the new ICC stickers is our response to the increasing demand for the safety of our consumers when buying imported products. Importers are also protected as there’s a stricter security feature that will prevent unscrupulous individuals to imitate the ICC stickers.”

The DTI-BPS began the issuance of the new ICC conformity mark stickers last 30 July 2018. The ICC sticker will still come in three (3) different sizes- small ICC stickers for small products such as lighters and switches; big ICC stickers; and, ICC stickers designed specifically for helmets.

The DTI will announce the implementation schedule for the importers to comply with. Once the system Is fully implemented, the DTI-Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) will start its enforcement activities using the QR codes found in the ICC stickers.

The new ICC stickers with improved security features is priced at P1.68 for the big stickers; P1.31 for small stickers; and, P1.75 for helmet stickers.

For more information on the new Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers, call BPS at (02) 751.4720/ 751.4708., or send an email to bps@dti.gov.ph.♦

Date of Release: 29 August 2018