DTI seizes 2,366 substandard goods in Isabela

CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) seized 2,366 uncertified or substandard goods from five retail and wholesale stores in a series of operations by the consumer protection division members in Isabela, a report said Saturday.

DTI Isabela director Winston Singun in an interview Saturday said the seized items are valued at P164,650.

Singun said the seized items did not bear valid Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers or Philippine Standard (PS) quality marks, “which is a violation of the Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2:2007 and the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 4109 or the Product Standards Law.”

“The Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) issues the PS marks and ICC stickers to serve as the consumers’ guide and assurance that the products they purchase are certified quality and safety products conforming to the relevant Philippine National Standards (PNS). Products covered by the BPS Mandatory Product Certification Scheme are required to bear the PS mark or ICC sticker prior to market distribution,” Singun said, adding that their monitoring and enforcement activities have not been fully hampered by the pandemic.

“Despite the limitations and challenges posed by the strict quarantines, DTI Isabela still manages to conduct monitoring and enforcement for the safety of the buying public,” he added.

Trade and Industry Regional Director Leah Pulido-Ocampo urges consumers to be vigilant and to always look for PS marks or ICC stickers when buying products especially electrical and home appliances covered by the BPS mandatory certification process.

“Not only to ensure product quality, but more importantly, to protect their safety,” she added.

Elmer Agorto, consumer protection division chief, said the uncertified or non-conforming products they seized include gas lighters, extension cords, light bulbs, and electrical home appliances.

Five business outlets were charged, four were due to breaches of product standards and one was for the price tag.

“We recognize the risks being faced by our consumer protection teams as they go on field to inspect establishments during these precarious times, but this is a manifestation of our resolve to exercise our mandate to protect the consumers. May this serve as a warning to all unscrupulous sellers not to take advantage of the current situation to advance their irregular practices,” DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said.

/MUF

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