THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry reiterated reminders to consumers against products with fake markings as the holiday season approaches.
Deolly L. Roque, chief trade and industry development specialist, said Wednesday, only purchase Christmas lights and electronics with proper safety markings Philippine Standard (PS) mark, or the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker.
“Only products with PS and ICC comply with safety and quality standards,” Roque said.
Roque added local manufacturers are required to have PS marks, and importers to secure ICC stickers.
ICC stickers are holographic and contain a unique number code and can be verified through the ICC verification mobile application which can be downloaded in IOS and Android. For PS Marks, consumers may call DTI- Bureau of Philippine Standards for verification.
The agency will start the massive monitoring of the sale of these products in the markets and grocery stores in November which will run until December. Christmas lights sold in streets are not exempted.
Roque added the monitoring is in time with the release of the price guide on Noche Buena products.
“We also monitor the prices of the noche buena products, along with the enforcement of the product standards law when it comes to electrical products,” she added.
Roque reminded the public to call the DTI’s Consumer Protection Division immediately to report erring retailers.
She noted that only markets, stores, and supermarkets direct from the distributor who can implement the SRP are covered in their monitoring.
Sari-sari stores, however, are not covered by the SRP guide list as they have add-on costs including delivery and transportation.
Photo by Bing Gonzales
