To protect Filipino consumers from fire and electrocution risks, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has seized ₱134.4 million worth of uncertified and potentially dangerous electrical and electronic products since 2023.
According to a DTI media release, the haul includes a total of 382,290 units of lighting equipment, wiring cables and devices, consumer electronics, and household appliances, all confiscated for lacking the mandatory Philippine Standard Quality and/or Safety Mark, and the Import Commodity Clearance stickers.
“In observance of National Electrical Safety Month this May, we urge the public and industry stakeholders to prioritize safety across the entire electrical and electronic goods,” said DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque.
“This includes responsible manufacturing, stringent quality control during importation, and diligent retail practices to ensure paramount safety for every consumer purchase,” she added.
Aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign for national development, the DTI reinforces its mandate for public safety by intensifying the monitoring of consumer products and implementing key regulations, including the Consumer Act of the Philippines (Republic Act 7394), the Price Act (RA 7581 as amended by RA 10623), and the Product Standards Law (RA 4109).
Proclaimed under Presidential Proclamation 193, issued on June 27, 2011, Electrical Safety Month is observed every May to raise public awareness of electrical safety practices and prevent accidents and economic losses caused by electrical hazards.
Under this, the DTI’s Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS)—as the National Standards Body of the Philippines—is tasked with developing, promulgating, and implementing the standardization of electrical products.
Supporting this crucial function, the DTI’s Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) conducts market inspections and seizes uncertified items that pose risks of fire, injury, and fatality.
“This initiative reflects our enduring commitment to Filipinos from risks associated with unregulated and non-compliant products. The DTI, in partnership with informed consumers, responsible businesses, and proactive industries, advocates for quality and safety in the market,” said DTI-Fair Trade Group Supervising Head and Assistant Secretary Agaton Teodoro Uvero, who led the operations of the BPS and the FTEB.
Consumers may report unsafe products or violations through the DTI Consumer Care Hotline at 1-DTI (1-384), or via email to ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph or ReportToSec@dti.gov.ph.
