The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB), served Notices of Violation (NOV) to 20 out of the 50 inspected retail firms thereby sealing over Php850,000.00 of uncertified products in Parañaque, from 10-14 October 2022.
Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Atty. Ruth B. Castelo and FTEB Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Assistant Director Atty. Joseph Manuel P. Pamittan, led the enforcement teams in their 7-day streak of heightened operations in Parañaque. The teams inspected firms in San Antonio, Don Galo, San Dionisio, Baclaran, Santo Niño, Don Bosco, San Martin de Porres, B. F. Homes, San Isidro, Sucat, and Multinational Village.
The enforcement efforts cracked down uncertified electric irons, electric rice cookers, electric juicers, induction cookers, electric blenders, electric grills, electric stoves, electric fans, electric food mixers, extension cords, low carbon steel wires, motor vehicle brake fluid, ceramic plumbing fixtures (sanitary wares), self-ballasted LED lamps, tires for automotive vehicles, and lead-acid storage batteries worth Php859,269.70.00.
The non-compliant firms were issued Notices of Violation (NOVs), mandating them to explain within 48 hours from the receipt of the notice.
The nationwide campaign of DTI 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.
“We continuously remind retailers to practice fair and ethical business; and to protect themselves by expanding their awareness of the mandatory certification and markings,” said Usec. Castelo.
Usec. Castelo underscored that the dedication of the DTI enforcement teams, along with the enforcement teams of its provincial and regional offices, is to ensure that only safe and reliable products reach Filipino consumers.
From January to October 2022, DTI has already sealed 126,934 pieces of non-conforming products with an estimated retail value of Php37,305,680.32.
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-BPS regulates 87 products and systems through implementing 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 enjoins consumers to report retailers, distributors, and manufacturers that sell necessities above their SRPs, through the Consumer Care Hotline at DTI (1-384) or consumercare@dti.gov.ph.
♦
Date of Release: 24 October 2022