THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) XI is holding a series of product standards orientations throughout the region as part of its continual efforts to ensure consumer safety and promote quality compliance among business establishments.
The one-day orientation, led by the DTI XI Consumer Protection Division (CPD), started in Davao del Sur last April 23 with 22 participants, followed by Davao del Norte on May 7 with 50, Davao Occidental on May 14 with 25, Davao de Oro on May 21 with 49, and Davao Oriental on May 22 with 30. The last leg was in Davao City on May 28.
These participants are composed of owners and representatives from hardware and construction supply businesses, home appliance stores, electrical and wiring device outlets, and other firms engaged in selling regulated products.
The session comes in two parts: first is a discussion on the updated list of 109 products subject to mandatory certification, proper markings, technical specifications, color coding (particularly for steel products), and the required compliance documents from suppliers or manufacturers, among others. The second part of the session tackles the DTI guidelines and procedures in handling violations (i.e., enforcement and adjudication), including its legal basis, process flow, documentation, list of possible violations, mitigating and aggravating circumstances, and penalties and sanctions.
“Advocating for adherence to product safety and quality standards, in essence, helps us advance DTI’s mandate of enabling businesses and empowering consumers,” DTI XI regional director Romeo L. Castañaga said. “Because compliance with standards in the market not only upholds consumers’ right to safety, it also promotes industry competitiveness. Additionally, it also fosters fair competition, facilitates trade by ensuring products meet international standards, enhances overall efficiency, and boosts consumer confidence.”
Aside from the aforementioned product standards orientation, DTI XI also regularly conducts monitoring and advocacy activities through its provincial offices to further ensure the compliance of business establishments for consumer protection.
DTI 11 is targeting to conduct monitoring and enforcement activities this year for consumer products subject to mandatory certification, with the aim of ensuring the safety of these products for consumers. DTI XI
