Gov’t seizes P1.4M worth of uncertified goods in Cebu

Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque – FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said on Monday that it had seized P1.4 million worth of uncertified products and other goods in Cebu earlier this month, continuing the government’s crackdown on substandard items in the market.

The DTI reported that its Task Force Kalasag carried out operations on March 3, 6, and 7, seizing uncertified goods such as lighters, LPG-related products, electrical lighting and wiring devices, household appliances, construction materials, and automotive-related items.

“As part of the DTI’s mandate to uphold the highest standard of service nationwide, we are fully dedicated to protecting consumers by ensuring that only certified, quality products reach the market,” Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said in a statement.

READ: DTI TF Kalasag seizes P300-M substandard goods as of Oct 2024

“At the same time, we ensure that our monitoring and enforcement teams have the expertise and knowledge necessary to deliver first-rate service,” she added.

According to the DTI the seized products lacked the required Philippine Standard marks, Import Commodity Clearance stickers, and other manufacturer’s information.

These, it said, violated regulations under Republic Act (RA) No. 7394, also known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines, and RA No. 4109, or the Product Standards Law.

During the first two months of the year, the DTI said that its Task Force Kalasag has seized more than P8.3 million worth of non-compliant products, totaling 60,020 assorted items.

The government also urged the public to report complaints or violations related to retailers selling violative products through the DTI Consumer Care Hotline (1-384) or send an email at consumercare@dti.gov.ph or reporttosec@dti.gov.ph.