The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has confiscated ₱25.3 million worth of uncertified household appliances in Malabon City, underscoring the government’s push to protect consumers from potentially dangerous products as holiday shopping peaks.
The seizure involved 14,704 items commonly used in Filipino homes and often purchased as gifts during the holidays, including electric rice cookers, electric fans, ovens, juicers, and kettles—products that pose fire, electrical, or injury risks if not properly tested and certified.
DTI said the enforcement action stemmed from an online test-buy that flagged the appliances as potential safety hazards. A follow-up onsite inspection confirmed that the items lacked mandatory Philippine Standard (PS) marks, Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers, and proper manufacturer labeling, which are key consumer safeguards required under Philippine product safety laws.
A Notice of Violation was immediately issued for failure to meet these safety requirements.
DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque stressed that enforcement actions like this are about protecting families and holding sellers accountable for putting unsafe products on the market, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to uphold consumer welfare.
“The holiday season is a time when families make purchases for their homes and buy gifts for loved ones. They deserve the peace of mind that comes with safe and reliable products. To ensure this, the DTI is intensifying nationwide inspections to keep unsafe and uncertified appliances out of the market,” Roque said.
The Malabon operation is part of the DTI’s E-Kalasag program, a nationwide market surveillance and enforcement initiative launched in April 2024 to strengthen compliance with safety standards, prevent substandard imports, and ensure that consumers receive products that meet minimum quality and safety requirements.