MAKATI CITY — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB), issued Notices of Violation (NOV) to non-compliant firms in the National Capital Region (NCR) for selling uncertified liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for household use and seized 195 uncertified LPG cylinders from January to 8 March 2023. As DTI-FTEB heightens inspection of firms, non-compliant firms were directed to explain why they sell these products and disclose their suppliers within 48 hours from receipt thereof.
“For the past months, we have been receiving reports regarding the sale of uncertified LPG cylinders, we acknowledge the need for us in government to curb this malpractice as this does not only pose enormous threat to the safety of Filipino consumers but can also potentially affect our local LPG manufacturers. Through FTEB, DTI has tightened inspection and monitoring and was able to seize a number of uncertified cylinders. We assure the local LPG industry that the DTI will take necessary action against those selling these substandard and uncertified LPGs and will continue to protect our local industries,” DTI Secretary Fred Pascual said.
Meanwhile, Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said that “The DTI is one with the other government agencies in the campaign against uncertified LPG cylinders. Our unceasing enforcement operations to regulate these products reflect the DTI – Consumer Protection Group’s (CPG) commitment to ensuring safe products for the consumers.”
Usec. Castelo also emphasized that DTI-CPG’s relentless and firm enforcement initiatives not only protect consumers but also the LPG industry as such would prevent untoward incidents that might tend to cause business losses.
“As we always reiterate, we do not want to disrupt businesses while we protect the consumers. However, we will appropriately act against violators selling substandard and uncertified LPG cylinders,” Usec. Castelo added.
Last year, the DTI issued Department Administrative Order (DAO) 22-11 series of 2022, known as “The New Technical Regulation Concerning The Mandatory Certification of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Pressure Vessels, Systems, Services, and Ancillary Products,” to require certification among domestically manufactured and imported LPG pressure vessels, ancillary products, and LPG-related systems.
The said issuance supports Republic Act No. 11592 or the LPG Industry Regulation Act, which intensifies penalties on illegal refilling and improper transport of LPG tanks, the selling of low-quality and defective cylinders, and operating without a business permit from the Department of Energy (DOE).
DTI’s nationwide campaign against uncertified items in the market underscores the enforcement of DTI technical regulations mandating compliance with Philippine Standard Certification Mark Schemes, particularly Department Administrative Order No. 02, Series of 2007.
To protect consumers or potential buyers of electrical and electronic products; mechanical or building and construction materials; and chemical and other consumer products and systems, DTI – Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) covered products and systems by implementing
the Mandatory Product Certification Schemes: the Philippine Standard (PS) Quality and/or Safety Certification Mark Licensing Scheme and the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Certification Scheme.
The DTI urges consumers to report retailers, distributors, and manufacturers that sell uncertified items, through the Consumer Care Hotline at DTI (1-384) or consumercare@dti.gov.ph. *
Date of release: 22 March 2023