San Fernando City, La Union- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) La Union destroyed P400,000 worth of substandard, uncertified and non-conforming products at the City Sanitary Landfill last October 11, 2019.

DTI Region 1 Director Grace Falgui-Baluyan together with Assistant Regional Director Daria R Mingaracal and DTI La Union PD Merlie D. Membrere led the ceremonial destruction of the confiscated products such as PVC pipes, angle bars, christmas lights, monoblock chairs, helmets and tires. These products were found to be not conforming to the marking requirements of DAO 02:2007. A compactor was also used to crush the said items.

Confiscated from different business establishments in La Union, these items were imported, distributed and offered for sales amidst lack of Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) markings and have fake/ invalid ICC markings.

Administrative fines were imposed against business establishments where the items were confiscated. Other nonconforming products such as lighters, bulbs and LPG tanks will be disposed in a separate and safer manner.

Also present during the activity were representatives from San Fernando City La Union Senior Citizens Association and La Union National Highschool Consumer Club who served as witnesses during the activity.

On her message, Dir. Baluyan urged the public to be more vigilant. She reminded everyone to check the ICC or PS markings whenever purchasing electronic products.

“We urge consumers to demand for products that are assured of performance and safety to get their money’s worth, and at the same time, to avoid risks posed by substandard products.” she added.

To ensure the protection of consumers against nonconforming, substandard and uncertified products, the Department of Trade and Industry-Region 1 (DTI R1) Enforcement Team regularly conducts its intensified monitoring and enforcement activities in the region.♦

Date of Release: 16 October 2019