DTI seizes P25 million worth of uncertified home appliances

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has confiscated P25.3-million worth of uncertified household appliances during a recent enforcement operation in Malabon.

In a statement, the DTI said it seized 14,704 home appliances, including electric rice cookers, fans, ovens, juicers and kettles.

These items are in demand during the Christmas season.

Amid the holiday Christmas rush, the DTI is strengthening efforts to protect consumers from uncertified products.

The Malabon enforcement operation was initiated by a DTI online test-buy that flagged the products as potentially hazardous.

Through an onsite inspection, the DTI confirmed that the items lacked the mandatory Philippine Standard (PS) marks, Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers and proper manufacturer labeling.

It then issued a notice of violation for failure to meet safety regulations.

Products bearing a PS mark or ICC sticker are considered compliant with relevant product standards.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said that the crackdown reinforces the government’s resolve to hold sellers accountable for violating product safety standards.

“The holiday season is a time when families make purchases for their homes and buy gifts for loved ones. They deserve the peace of mind that comes with safe and reliable products,” Roque said.

“To ensure this, the DTI is intensifying nationwide inspections to keep unsafe and uncertified appliances out of the market,” she said.