The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Fair-Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) bans the sale of uncertified products worth PhP5,844,282.75 during intensified consecutive enforcement operations in CALABARZON from 26, 27, and 29 February 2024 and 01 March 2024.

Following the ramped-up enforcement in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Quezon, the DTI-FTEB enforcement team sealed and pulled out uncertified products including plastic pipes and ceramic products, steel products, cement and other construction materials, lighting and wiring devices, household appliances, and vape products.

Of the 226 monitored retail firms selling plastic pipes and ceramic products, steel products, cement and other construction materials, lighting and wiring devices, household appliances, 55 of them were found with non-compliant products and issued with Notices of Violation (NOVs).

Furthermore, the DTI team also inspected 26 vape shops selling vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products and novel tobacco products in the region. Out of the 26 vape shops monitored, six (6) were issued with NOV sealing 421 vape units amounting to PhP82,430.00.

Inspection revealed that five out of six vape shops were found to be selling vape products with flavors or cartoon characters appealing to minors, which is against the DAO 22:16, Section 1J in relation to R.A. 11900.

“The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its Consumer Protection Group (CPG), is committed to actively monitoring the market, both physically and virtually, to prioritize consumer safety while ensuring a level playing field for businesses,” The CPG’s Supervising Head and Assistant Secretary, Atty. Amanda Marie F. Nograles underscored. Further, ASec Nograles emphasized that these intensified enforcement operations are aimed at informing the public of the strict implementation of fair-trade laws.

Further, DTI-FTEB Director, Atty. Fhillip D. Sawali warns the violators that the bureau will remain dedicated to monitoring and surveillance of the market’s compliance to fair and trade laws, as well as the implementation of Republic Act No. 11900 commonly known as the “Vape Law”.

The DTI’s nationwide campaign against uncertified commodities in the market implements the enforcement of technical regulations mandating compliance with the Philippine Standard Certification Scheme, particularly the Department Administrative Order No. 02, Series of 2007.

From January to March 15, 2024, the DTI has already cracked down a total of 28,750 uncertified products and vape units amounting to PhP 6,485,788.00.

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 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 Schemes.

The DTI enjoins consumers to report retailers, distributors, and manufacturers that sell basic necessities above their SRPs or uncertified items, through the Consumer Care Hotline at DTI (1-384) or consumercare@dti.gov.ph. ♦

Date of release: 26 March 2024

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