The Consumer Protection Division (CPD) of the Department of Trade and Industry Isabela Provincial Office (DTI-Isabela) seized uncertified and nonconforming products in Isabela province last 10 and 11 of June 2021. The CPD Enforcement Team inspected, sealed, confiscated, and withdrawn from five violating stores a total of 2,366 products with an estimated market value of P164,650.
The confiscated and sealed products did not bear valid Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers or Philippine Standard (PS) quality marks in violation of Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2:2007 and the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 4109 otherwise known as The Product Standards Law.
The Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) issues the PS marks and ICC stickers to serve as the consumers’ guide and assurance that the products they purchase are certified quality and safety products conforming to the relevant Philippine National Standards (PNS). Products covered by the BPS Mandatory Product Certification Scheme are required to bear the PS mark or ICC sticker prior to market distribution.
“We urge consumers to be vigilant and to always look for PS marks or ICC stickers when buying products especially electrical and home appliances covered by the BPS mandatory certification process. Not only to ensure product quality, but more importantly, to protect their safety,” Regional Director Leah Pulido Ocampo of the DTI-Region 2 stressed.
“Despite the limitations and challenges posed by the strict quarantines, DTI-Isabela still manages to conduct monitoring and enforcement activities for the safety of the buying public,” DTI-Isabela Provincial Director Winston T. Singun reiterated.
OIC-CPD Division Chief Elmer A. Agorto who led the Enforcement Team said that the uncertified/nonconforming products they confiscated include gas lighters, extension cords, light bulbs, and electrical home appliances. Of the five violating firms that were charged, four were for Product Standards and one was for Price Tag.
Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo lauded the efforts of the Consumer Protection Team of DTI-Region 2 and Isabela Provincial Office in their relentless efforts to ensure the safety of products being sold in the market. “We recognize the risks being faced by our consumer protection teams as they go on field to inspect establishments during these precarious times, but this is a manifestation of our resolve to exercise our mandate to protect the consumers. May this serve as a warning to all unscrupulous sellers not to take advantage of the current situation to advance their irregular practices,” the Undersecretary said. ♦
Date of Release: 16 June 2021