Unsafe lead-acid batteries worth P110.74M scrapped

Substandard lead-acid storage batteries confiscated by authorities stored at the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) facility in Valenzuela City. Photo from DTI

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has disposed of P110.74 million worth of substandard lead-acid storage batteries, marking the government’s latest blow against the entrenched local black market for illegal consumer products.

The DTI said on Friday that the 21,403 substandard lead-acid storage batteries were seized during a major operation in September last year, conducted in collaboration with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

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

“This activity forms part of DTI’s ongoing commitment to uphold product safety standards and ensure compliance with mandatory certification requirements,” DTI said in a statement.

“It also serves to reinforce DTI’s regulatory mandate to protect consumers from hazardous and sub-quality products,” it added.

The illicit goods were destroyed in a ceremonial event held at a facility in Valenzuela City.

According to the DTI, the confiscated products lacked the mandatory Philippine Standard (PS) marks and import commodity clearance (ICC) stickers, in direct violation of Republic Act No. 4109 or the Product Standards Law.

Lead-acid storage batteries that are improperly manufactured or fail to meet safety standards can cause chemical leaks, fires, and other environmental hazards, posing serious risks to life and property, the DTI said.