The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) conducted a Seminar on Product Standards and Conformance in Binan City, Laguna. The seminar is in collaboration with DTI-recognized industry associations such as the Flat Glass Alliance of the Philippines, Inc., Ceramic Tile Manufacturers, Inc., Philippine Electric and Wires Manufacturers, Inc., Philippine Steelmakers Association, Inc., and Steel Angles – Shapes & Section Manufacturer’s Association of the Philippines.

The seminar was attended by 96 participants from the local government units, hardware stores, retailers of flat glass, sellers of ceramic tiles, and DTI accredited contractors.

The session provided comprehensive information and updates from DTI and industry associations regarding the Law on Product Standards or the Department Administrative Order No. 2, series of 2007 (DAO 2: 2007) and the Philippine National Standards (PNS) of different products under mandatory certification.

Pursuant to the Republic Act No. 7394 (RA 7394) or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, DTI is a national agency that protects the interest of the consumers and implement measures to achieve protection against deceptive, unfair, and unconscionable sales acts and practices. The Department regularly conducts market monitoring activities and urges consumers to ensure their safety by patronizing only products that meet quality standards.

Consumers should not compromise the safety and welfare of their family by patronizing products that are cheaper but of low quality and substandard. The distribution, sale, and offering for sale of uncertified and substandard products that are under the DTI’s mandatory certification scheme is a prohibited act based on RA 7394 with penalties to retailers and manufacturers including an administrative fines, imprisonment, a cease and desist order, destruction of confiscated materials, and a cancellation of any DTI-issued permit.