The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao Region, through its Consumer Protection Services Division (CPSD), is bent on intensifying its promotion of product standards.
For this year, the agency has lined up a number of activities designed to achieve this goal. The first of these was the seminar on the Bureau of Philippines Standards’ (BPS) Product Certification Scheme last January 10 and 12 at the Sequoia Inn, Davao City and Crisbel Crown Center, Digos City, respectively.
The activity, with the theme, “Awareness on Product Standards – Key to Safety Excellence,” served as venue for the launching of the CPSD’s 2017 Consumer Education and Advocacy Initiatives and converged public and private stakeholders in the construction, hardware, aluminum and glass sectors.
In collaboration with the Philippine Association of BI-GI Steel Pipes and Tubes Manufacturers, Inc., Philippine Steelmakers Association, Flat Glass Alliance of the Philippines and Ceramic Tile/Sanitary Ware Manufacturers, Inc., the seminar focused on the importance of and compliance to the Product Certification Scheme for the construction materials listed under the Mandatory Products of BPS.
It specifically provided inputs about Republic Act 4109 or Standards Law and the following DTI issuances:
* Department Administrative Order No. 04:2008 “The New Rules and Regulations Concerning the Philippine Standard (PS) Quality and/or Safety Certification Mark Scheme of the Bureau of Philippine Standard;”
* Department Administrative Order No. 05:2008 “The New Rules and Regulations Concerning the Issuance of the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) under the Product Certification Mark Scheme of the Bureau of Philippine Standards;”
* Department Administrative Order No. 15-01:2015 “Guidelines on the Mandatory Marking, Labeling and Packaging for Delisted Products under the Philippine Standard (PS) Quality and/or Safety Certification Mark Scheme;”
* Department Administrative Order No. 02:2007: “Defining the Responsibilities and Duties of Manufacturers, Importers, Traders, Wholesales, Distributors, Retailers, Service Providers and/or their Agents, with Regard to Products/Services Covered by Philippine Standard Certification Mark Schemes and Prescribing Penalties for Violations Thereof.”
Meanwhile, different industry associations were also able to capacitate the participants on the specific Philippine National Standards’ requirements during the seminar. These include the markings, labeling, logo, weight, length and other specifications of black iron (BI), galvanized iron (GI), flat glass, ceramic tiles and steel (deformed and re-rolled) bars.
“If more MSMEs, consumers and public sectors are aware of the products under mandatory certification scheme, we expect an enhanced public-private partnership in the fight against the proliferation of uncertified and substandard products in the market,” Ambi said.
For more information about product standards and other consumer-related concerns, anyone may visit DTI-Davao Regional Office at 4F Mintrade Realty Building, corner Monteverde and Sales Streets, Davao City. They may also contact them through landline number (082) 224-0511, local 417 and 420 (Consumer Protection Services Division).