DTI warns firms on substandard steel products

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is warning steel manufacturers to stop selling substandard galvanized iron sheets and rebars, or face sanctions from the government as substandard galvanized iron sheets and rebars could endanger the lives of consumers.

DTI Undersecretary Adrian Cristobal Jr., following a market monitoring activity, said the government is doubling its efforts to get rid of low-grade steel products through close coordination with the private sector and steel organization.

"These organizations will be responsible for policing their own ranks to assure the market that only products complying with the relevant product standards are distributed," Cristobal said.

The DTI, through the Bureau of Product Standards, has forged an agreement with the Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI), Consumers Union of the Philippines (CUP), and the Confederation of Homeowners for Reforms in Governance and Environment (CHARGE), to strengthen its monitoring activity and to answer the need for manpower and resources necessary to police the industry.

Under the agreement, the DTI regional and provincial offices, together with representatives from the steel organization, will conduct product monitoring and factory inspections nationwide.

PISI allocates funds to finance the requirement for product samples and testing.

The samples serve as evidence against the manufacturer/company under investigation.

As of October 2001, 492 Philippine Standard (PS) licenses have been issued by the BPS to 309 companies, 19 of which have been suspended and 32 canceled.

Products belonging to the list of mandatory standards need to undergo rigid laboratory testing by the BPS and need to be affixed with the PS mark which is an assurance of quality and safety.

Cristobal encourages consumers to purchase only products with PS mark to help the government stop the unscrupulous practices and by reporting to appropriate agencies local manufacturers who violate the BSP guideline.