Camarines Norte & Sur, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Task Force Kalasag seized uncertified consumer goods worth nearly PHP 9.7 million during a five-day enforcement operation in Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur from 24 to 28 June 2024.

Out of the 226 establishments, the operation yielded 62 non-compliant establishments from the two provinces, seizing uncertified consumer products like ceramic tiles (45,082 units at PHP 7,446,215), automotive vehicles (235 units at PHP 639,700), plywood (1,1118 pieces at 527, 165), vape (1079 units at PHP 444,630), steel wires (258 rolls at PHP 277, 800), lead acid batteries (31 units at PHP 108,850), appliances (154 units at PHP 104, 162), television sets (8 units of consumer electronics at PHP 66,100), polyethylene pipe for portable water (43 units at PHP 47, 110), deformed steel bars (340 units at PHP 44,200), and electrical products (419 units of lightning and wiring devices at PHP 27,830).

These seized products lacked the required Philippine Standard (PS) Marks and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Stickers, violating Republic Act (RA) No. 4109 or the Product Standards Law, and Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 02: 2007, on the PS Certification Mark Scheme.

“In a mission to apprehend all violators, Task Force Kalasag is proof that the DTI is proactively expanding its coverage beyond metropolitan areas,” said Secretary Fred Pascual.

“The Department is committed to strengthening our monitoring and enforcement efforts across all businesses in safeguarding product quality standard and establishing awareness of our consumer rights,” he added.

Meanwhile, DTI Fair Trade Group Supervising Head Assistant Secretary Agaton Teodoro Uvero underscored the importance of consumer vigilance.

“These uncertified and untested products pose danger and hazards to Filipino consumers. We strongly encourage everyone to verify the presence of the PS mark and ICC stickers to ensure that what they are buying has been proven safe and of quality.”

“Through such efforts, all of us can do our part to eliminate substandard materials in the market,” he added.

The DTI has issued a notice of violation, requiring a written explanation within 48 hours from receipt. Failure to comply will lead to a formal charge with a corresponding penalty.

The Department, through its Bureau of Philippines Standards (BPS), safeguards consumers by enforcing mandatory product certification schemes. These regulations protect consumers from potential hazards and ensure consistent quality in standardized products available in the market.

The DTI encourages consumers to report any retailers, distributors, or manufacturers selling uncertified items through the Consumer Care Hotline at DTI (1-384) or by emailing consumercare@dti.gov.ph. ♦

Date of release: 16 July 2024

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