The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Friday it confiscated over P2.4 million worth of non-compliant steel products following several enforcement operations in the first four months of 2024.
The DTI, through its Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB), confiscated 7,723 units of uncertified steel products after inspecting hardware stores in the CALABARZON Region on Feb. 27 and March 21 and in the National Capital Region on April 8.
Low carbon steel wires and deformed steel bars yielded the highest value among the products confiscated amounting to P1,591,300 and P866,500, respectively.
Substandard equal leg steel angle bars and steel wire nails were also among the items seized.
The FTEB said it monitored and inspected 289 retail firms, 41 of which were found with non-compliant products from January to April 2024.
This led to the issuance of notices of violation (NOV) that mandated them to explain within 48 hours.
DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the agency has been intensifying its monitoring and enforcement efforts through the creation of Task Force Kalasag, which aims to crack down on uncertified consumer products, including substandard construction materials.
“We urge our consumers to be vigilant and to buy only certified products to ensure their safety,” Pascual said.
“The risk of accidents is substantially higher when you use substandard steel. Please don’t compromise the well-being of your family for price,” he said.
Pascual said the DTI, through its equipped enforcers, is strictly monitoring and enforcing regulations against uncertified and substandard products in the market.
The DTI continues its nationwide campaign against the selling of non-compliant and uncertified products, which includes the enforcement of technical regulations mandating compliance with Philippine Standard Certification Mark Schemes in accordance with Department Administrative Order No. 02, Series of 2007 and the Consumer Act of the Philippines, he said.