Surprise Enforcement on Electrical Products Conducted in Metro Manila

In observance of the National Fire Prevention Month this March, the Department of Trade and Industry ? National Capital Region (DTI-NCR) conducted an enforcement activity on electrical cables and wires with the Philippine Product Safety and Quality Foundation (PPSQF) after several months of surveillance in key cities in Metro Manila. Reports revealed that substandard electric wires, for household purposes were sold to unsuspecting public.

Assistant Secretary Angel L. Pelayo of DTI-NCR said these products do not carry the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) and Philippine Standard (PS) marks and violate R.A. 4109 (Product Standards Law). ICCs are issued to importers whose shipments have been found to conform to the requirements of the Philippine National Standards (PNS), specifically PNS 35 citing standards on electric wires and cables.

The PS License is a manufacturer's commitment to continuously conform to the requirements of a standard and the PS Certification Scheme. It serves as an authority to use the PS Mark on the products covered by the PS License. According to PNS 35, there should be a PS mark on the box of the thermoplastic insulated wire, used for outlets and lights. On the other hand, PS mark should be found in the plastic of flexible cord used for extension and appliances. Based on the surveillance, many business establishments sell electric items without the ICC sticker and PS marks.

These wires are the ones usually used in electrical wiring and appliances. A high percentage of fire incidents in Metro Manila is accounted for poor elctrical wiring due to substandard materials. ?We are collaborating with different groups to catch these establishments allegedly selling substandard electrical products. The public should be more aware that buying cheap items especially electrical wires can compromise their safety,? Pelayo stressed.

Administrative penalties ranging from P500.00 to P 150,000.00 will be charged establishments caught selling substandard items. These items will also be seized, forfeited or condemned. Any permit, license, or registration granted by the Department can also be cancelled upon violation of the provisions of fair trade laws on Product Standards.

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