According to a recent press release from the Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry dated December 20, various products “which affect life, safety and health of people and the environment are listed for mandatory certification.” The list of products includes household appliances, lamps and related products, wiring and cables, building and construction materials, and chemicals and other consumer products.
DTI Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 04, Series of 2008, states that the PS quality or safety certification mark must be affixed on the product covered by the license. These marks are the assurance given to the consumers that the products passed quality standards and are safe to use. Both domestic and foreign entities can apply for certification. Certifications will be processed with annual audits of the fabrication plant(s).
To ensure that only inspected and approved products are found in the market, monitoring activities will be performed by the DTI Regional and Provincial Offices and violations may include criminal and civil actions against sellers. The exact dates for compliance were not provided in the order.
The Philippine Institute for Steel and Iron (PISI) had requested the government to address the proliferation of substandard and uncertified rebar given the risk in commercial, residential and industrial infrastructures.