UNCERTIFIED construction and automotive products worth about P17.24 million were recently confiscated in Bulacan, Cebu, and Davao, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced on Tuesday.
In Cebu, the department seized 81,649 pieces of uncertified tires for automotive vehicles, G.I. steel pipes, deformed steel bars, and low carbon steel wires worth P14.78 million.
“Deformed steel bars sealed in Cebu were found without the requisite labels and quality marks,” DTI said in a press release.
In Davao del Norte, the DTI found 1,765 pieces of uncertified products worth P830,520.
The sealed products included self-ballasted LED lamps, PVC electrical tapes, plugs, socket-outlets, snap switches, BI/GI steel pipes, low carbon steel wires, ceramic plumbing fixtures, lead-acid storage batteries, inner tubes for tires, and tires for automotive vehicles, among others.
In the towns of Malolos and Meycauayan in Bulacan, the agency found uncertified low carbon steel wires, tires for automotive vehicles, and lead acid storage batteries worth P1.63 million.
Out of the 37 firms inspected, 23 non-compliant stores were issued Notices of Violation.
“The DTI and its provincial and regional offices are one in ensuring that only certified products are being sold in the market; hence, as part of our regular function all of our enforcement teams regularly go out to check products under the mandatory certification,” Ruth B. Castelo, Consumer Protection Group Undersecretary, said.
Ms. Castelo said intensified enforcement operations are intended for consumer protection as well as for educating businesses on mandatory certification.
From January to August, the DTI said it already sealed 113,825 pieces of non-conforming products with an estimated retail value of P34.35 million. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson