The certification and inspection of imported float glass remain crucial to strictly enforce mandatory standards and ensure consumer safety.
Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said the PS mark and certification, which are the added measures to the department order or DAO 19-05, were key to prevent the proliferation of substandard construction glass.
To make the procedure easier for foreign suppliers, the Trade Department may allow international accredited laboratories to inspect and determine whether or not imports meet Philippine standards. The final certification and inspection rest with the Bureau of Product Standards.
Castelo conceded that the issuance of a court injunction against the implementation of DAO 19-05 had become a big setback on the agency’s crackdown against the proliferation of substandard construction glass, putting at risk the safety of consumers.
Our hands are tied because the writ of injunction cannot be lifted pending completion of the presentation of evidence from both sides. We cannot enforce nor confiscate nor call their attention because compliance to the Philippine Standards is voluntary without the DAO,” she said.