DTI Task Force Kalasag’s record-breaking operation seizes PHP 44M uncertified products in Bulacan | Department of Trade and Industry Philippines

DTI seals uncertified household appliances in a warehouse in Plaridel, Bulacan on July 31, 2024

Bulacan, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Task Force Kalasag seized PHP 44 million in uncertified household appliances on 31 July 2024. This marks the largest single-day seizure of uncertified appliances in the area that surpassed the previous record of PHP 9.3 million.

The confiscated items included 24,771 units of non-compliant household appliances, such as electric rice cookers, electric multi-cookers, electric kettles, air conditioners, self-ballasted LED lamps, electric fans, television sets, and extension cord sets.

These products lacked the required Philippine Standard (PS) marks and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers, a violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 4109, or the Product Standards Law and Department Administrative Order No. 02: 2007.

“Our active collaborations with local government units, law enforcement agencies, and congressional offices have been instrumental in executing these large-scale enforcement operations against illegal products. These efforts allow us to intensify our campaign against substandard and uncertified products, thereby promoting fair trade,” said Assistant Secretary and Fair Trade Group Supervising Head Agaton Teodoro Uvero.

Building upon these successful operations, Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau Director Atty. Fhillip D. Sawali revealed that many of the seized items from Plaridel, Bulacan and Valenzuela City are not only uncertified but also substandard, as confirmed by the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) Laboratory.

“In light of the recent BPS findings of increased risk posed to the public, we encourage consumers to be vigilant and ensure that products have ICC and PS Mark certification before purchasing,” Sawali said.

“These uncertified appliances are untested and can pose dangers such as faulty wiring, which may result in electric shocks, fires, injuries, or even fatalities,” the FTEB director added.

Since its establishment, the task force has already reported total seizures worth PHP 118 million in uncertified products and vapes. This was achieved through the inspection of 1,804 brick-and-mortar establishments, resulting in the seizure of 423,077 violative products and the issuance of 509 notices of violation.

The confiscated items encompass a wide range of product types, including:

Building and construction materials: ceramic tiles/sanitary wares, steel wires, plywood, steel-angle bars, deformed steel bars, black iron and galvanized iron pipes, plastic pipes;
Household appliances;
Consumer electronics: television sets, vape products;
Automative and related products: tires for automotive vehicles, motor vehicle brake fluid, inner tubes for tires;
Electrical and lighting devices: electrical lighting and wiring devices;
Fire safety equipment: dry chemical portable fire extinguishers; and
Other products under technical regulations: monobloc chairs, helmets and visors, safety belts, lead-acid batteries, lighters, medical-grade oxygen.

These products were confiscated for failing to comply with technical regulations for product and safety standards and for violating the RA No. 11900 or the Vape Law.

Formed under Department Order (DO) No. 24-56, Task Force Kalasag aims to enforce trade and industry laws with a focus on protecting consumers and legitimate businesses. To achieve this, the task force enhances monitoring, surveillance, enforcement, prosecution, and adjudication efforts.

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: 07 August 2024

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