Team from DTI-Nueva Ecija inspects hardware store in the province. Contributed photo
CABANATUAN CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry in Nueva Ecija vowed regular monitoring ofhardware stores against the proliferation and selling of uncertified mandatory products, particularly steel and cement, amid quarantine restrictions due to the coronavirus disease.
Romeo Eusebio Faronilo, chief of consumer protection division of DTI-NE, said they have inspected a total of 28 hardware stores in the province in January where they checked approved PS (Philippine Standard) or ICC (Import Commodity Clearance) marks on the products under mandatory certification, specifically steel bars, both deformed and rerolled.
“Upon thorough verification and inspection, it was found out that all the hardware stores were compliant to product standards law,” Faronilo said, adding that the stores were selling only those bearing the approved logos or markings.
Other construction materials such as cement, angle bar, UPVC pipes, and electrical products were also inspected to ensure compliance with PS and ICC-related laws. DTI-NE explained that PS and ICC marks proved that the products have been inspected for safety and performance prior to sale and distribution.
The consumer protection division enforcement team, it added, was also engaged in massive information and advocacy campaign to ensure that consumers are protected from the marketing of hazardous goods. It distributes information materials like a directory of Bureau of Product Standard–approved logos for steel bars and angle bars as well as list of products covered by mandatory certification.
Faronilo explained that the DTI may confiscate uncertified products and impose penalties on erring establishments by virtue of its authority to enforce and implement laws on trade and industry.
