The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) of the Consumer Protection Group (CPG) confiscated unlicensed fireworks during one of their enforcement operations in Sta. Maria, Bulacan last December 29.
The CPG reportedly issued notice of violations to four out of eight factories inspected for allegedly selling fireworks not covered by their Philippine Standard (PS) license, and for lack of the required PS mark.
The erring fireworks manufacturers were given 48 hours to explain their non-compliance to the BPS regulations.
Earlier, the DTI enforcement team also conducted similar operations in Bocaue, Bulacan on Dec. 27.
Days ahead of the New Year, the CPG ramped up its enforcement operations against fireworks factories in Bulacan in collaboration with the BPS.
To ensure product quality and safety, the DTI enjoined the public to buy only fireworks with the PS mark. It also advised the consumers to be guided by the list of PS-licensed fireworks brands and companies released by the DTI-BPS on Dec. 19.
There are 14 local brand names and companies licensed to manufacture, distribute and sell firework. These include Dragon Fireworks by Dragon Fireworks Inc.; Diamond by Diamond Fireworks Inc.; LF Fireworks by Legendary Fireworks Inc; Pegasus by Pegasus Fireworks; Phoenix by Phoenix Fireworks; Double L by Double L Fireworks and Nation by Nation Fireworks.
“We are one with other government agencies in ensuring consumer safety during this Holiday season. With that, the DTI supports the Department of Health (DOH) in intensifying the “Iwas Paputok” campaign; and the national police and local government units in enforcing Executive Order No. 28, restricting firecracker use to community fireworks displays,” DTI Undersecretary and CPG chief Ruth Castelo said.
She also called on consumers to do their share in upholding consumer protection by being vigilant and purchasing only licensed fireworks that have undergone and passed the DTI testing schemes.
The nationwide campaign of DTI against unlicensed fireworks underscores the enforcement of DTI technical regulations mandating compliance with Philippine Standard Certification Mark Schemes, particularly Department Administrative Order No. 02, Series of 2007; and with the new technical regulations concerning mandatory Product Certification of Fireworks with General Categories 1, 2, And 3, particularly Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 22-08 Series of 2022.
The campaign also calls for conformance with the PNS 1120:2019 or the Philippine National Standard for Fireworks, as promulgated by the DTI-BPS.