DTI intensifies crackdown vs substandard steel

The proliferation of substandard steel has alarmed the Department of Trade and Industry. INQUIRER.net stock images

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has mapped out new measures to curb the selling of substandard steel products, following reports from an industry group about their proliferation in the local market.

In a statement on Monday, Trade Assistant Secretary Agaton Teodoro Uvero vowed that “intensive actions” would be conducted amid the findings submitted by the Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (Pisi).

Uvero outlined three key measures that the DTI would implement to address the issue.

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The first approach involves market enforcement at retail outlets, which could result in legal action and the confiscation of noncompliant steel products. This is to ensure that only certified, quality products are available to consumers.

The second measure focuses on conducting plant visits and audits of manufacturing facilities. These inspections will help identify any violations of industry standards and regulations, allowing the DTI to take appropriate action against noncompliant producers.

The third measure emphasizes the importance of engaging with industry associations to reinforce product regulations.

“The DTI warns that confirmed violations of (Republic Act No. 4109) will result in the appropriate enforcement actions, including the suspension or revocation of Philippine Standard licenses,” Uvero said.

Republic Act No. 4109, or more commonly referred to as the Standards Law, provides the legal framework for setting and enforcing product quality standards. It requires the use of the Philippine Standard mark, which indicates that products comply with established safety and quality criteria.

In a letter dated April 7, the Pisi informed Uvero’s office about the widespread presence of substandard steel products, citing findings from their test-buy activities conducted in 2024 and 2025.

“The continued high instances of non-conformity of samples purchased leads us to conclude that there are larger quantities of substandard products being sold in the market today,” the Pisi said in the letter.

The industry group stressed that the Philippines should learn from the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that had struck Thailand and Myanmar last month. INQ