DAVAO CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has strengthened its efforts to ensure consumer safety and product quality in the Davao Region through its Task Force (TF) Kalasag, spearheaded by 20 monitoring and enforcement personnel from the agency’s Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB).
From September 2 to 6, the TF Kalasag, with the DTI XI monitoring and enforcement team, rigorously inspected hardware stores, auto supply shops, vape shops, and general merchandise stores. The aim was to verify compliance with product standards and raise awareness of related Fair Trade Laws among consumers and businesses.
During the week-long inspection campaign, TF Kalasag visited a total of 208 establishments across Davao City, Davao del Sur, and Davao del Norte. Of the said total, 50 establishments were found non-compliant, selling products without the required Philippine Standard (PS) marks or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers. These non-compliant businesses were issued with Notices of Violation (NoV) for violating Republic Act No. 4109 or the Product Standards Law and DTI Department Administrative Order No. 02, series of 2007.
The TF Kalasag team focused primarily on automotive tires, batteries, home appliances, electrical products, vape devices, and ceramic tiles. Other products subject to mandatory certification were also included in the inspections. A total of 17,432 pieces of non-compliant products were seized, with an estimated value of P17,478,322.68. The offending establishments were required to pull out the affected products and would face formal charges with corresponding fines and penalties.
DTI 11 Regional Director Romeo L. Castañaga emphasized that the joint efforts of the DTI national, regional, and provincial offices have been proven effective in continuously protecting consumers from unscrupulous business practices.
“This recent enforcement action serves as a stern warning to businesses in the region. The DTI is committed to protecting consumers from unsafe and low-quality products while also supporting legitimate businesses that adhere to established standards”, the regional trade chief said. “By ensuring that only certified and licensed products are available in the market, the DTI aims to foster a safer and more competitive business environment.”
Castañaga further noted that this also serves as a reminder to all consumers to be vigilant in buying certified and quality products for their safety and protection.
For more information about Philippine Standards, consumers and business owners may visit the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) website (bps@dti.gov.ph) or visit the DTI Region XI Facebook page.
