DTI: Get ICC for helmet before Nov. 30

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - 7 reiterated that an application form is no longer needed to get Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker markings for motorcycle helmets.

“This is in order to make the whole process easier and faster,” said DTI-7 Regional Director Asteria Caberte.

What applicants must present are the helmet so it can be inspected and a valid government-issued ID.

The DTI, in its latest advisory, is also reminding consumers with old helmets to visit their office and have their helmets inspected for ICC marking on or before November 30, 2012.

Under the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2010 or RA 10054, motorists are required to wear either a half-face helmet with clear visor or a full-face helmet with a clear visor.

The Helmet Law was supposed to take effect last August 1 but the Department of Transportation and Communications  ordered the  Land Transportation Office to defer enforcement of the said law and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.

DOTC’s decision to defer was in line with the DTI’s request to give them more time to inspect all the helmets that are coming in the country.

DTI wants to ensure that all the helmets bear the ICC seal issued by the Bureau of Products Standard.

DTI requested to give them until the end of the year to complete inspection before the Helmet Law and its IRR are enforced nationwide.

Starting August 1 until the end of the year, DOTC directed LTO to instruct its enforcers to issue reminders to motorcycle drivers of the issue.

In cooperation with other government and private agencies and organizations, the LTO will conduct aggressive public information and education campaign on the matter.

During the period covered, no punitive measures such as the issuance of citation tickets shall be implemented. –JPM (FREEMAN)