The Department of Trade and Industry Regional Office III (DTI-3) reminded buyers of construction materials to buy only certified products from legally accredited hardware stores, manufacturers and sellers. DTI-3 Regional Director Judith P. Angeles gave this reminder as she noted that there is a rise in construction activities during these dry months, and that consumers should be wary of the quality of construction materials like steel bars and angle bars that form the frame of most buildings and houses. She also noted that buyers should also be checking on the quality of electrical wirings, cables, switches and plugs and lightings of houses and buildings. Faulty electrical connection remains a major cause of fire in the country, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection. The DTI, through the issuance of Department Administrative Order No. 18-03, recently added 14 appliances and electrical gadgets like LED lamps to the list of products for mandatory certification. 

Director Angeles further said that DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez has instructed the DTI provincial offices of Central Luzon to regularly monitor hardware stores, steel manufacturers and construction materials sellers on their compliance to the Philippines Standards. She noted that construction materials like steel products should have the proper size and length, weight and markings and the manufacturer and distributor properly accredited with the Bureau of Philippine Standards. She further added that buyers should be wary of sellers selling at abnormally low priced construction materials, as this is a sign that these are not certified products. Uncertified mandatory products are prohibited from being sold and distributed in the market under Republic Act No. 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines. Certified products are given Philippine Standards mark and accreditation for locally manufactured products while an Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) is given to certified imported products. The ICC Mark is a unique hologram alphanumeric mark provided for imported mandatory products that have been inspected by the Bureau of Philippine Standards. 

A list of PS Mark and ICC accredited manufacturers and sellers is available at the website of the Bureau of Philippine Standards at www.bps.dti.gov.ph and search for PS or ICC Certified Companies. Concerns about uncertified products may be also be brought to the attention of any DTI office or contact the DTI hotline 09178343330.♦