DTI ops yield P250K illicit tires

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB), stopped the sale of tires for automotive vehicles worth Php254,332.74 during its focused technical regulations enforcement along Tomas Mapua Street, Sta. Cruz, Manila, on 01 December 2022. 

Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Atty. Ruth B. Castelo and FTEB Enforcement Division Chief Rosita P. Jaleco led the DTI enforcement teams in visiting 15 retail firms. 

The intense enforcement of DTI technical regulations has led to the sealing of 101 uncertified tires for automotive vehicles; with (9) non-compliant firms issued Notices of Violation (NOV), mandating them to explain within 48 hours from the receipt of the notice.

Usec. Castelo underscored that the Department boosts its enforcement activities to ensure that tires for automotive vehicles are certified to uphold consumer protection, especially with the upcoming Holiday season.  

“We are now back in the streets as we start to get busy with the coming Holidays. Furthermore, the easing of the COVID-19 restrictions is also evident in the volume of cars. Therefore, it is important to protect car owners against uncertified and substandard tires for automotive vehicles,” said Usec. Castelo. 

Apart from its intense enforcement of technical regulations in the National Capital Region, DTI-FTEB also conducts simultaneous operations in other Regions to expand its advocacy on consumer protection and education. 

 The nationwide campaign of DTI against uncertified items in the market underscores the enforcement of DTI technical regulations mandating compliance with Philippine Standard Certification Mark Schemes, particularly Department Administrative Order No. 02, Series of 2007.  

From January to November 2022, DTI has already inspected 7,606 firms and sealed 219,693 pieces of non-conforming products with an estimated retail value of P67,490,780.99. 

To protect consumers or potential buyers of electrical and electronic products; mechanical or building and construction materials; and chemical and other consumer products and systems, DTI-BPS regulates 87 products and systems through implementing Mandatory Product Certification Schemes: the Philippine Standard (PS) Quality and/or Safety Certification Mark Licensing Scheme and the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Certification Scheme. 

The DTI enjoins consumers to report retailers, distributors, and manufacturers that sell uncertified items, through the Consumer Care Hotline at DTI (1-384) or consumercare@dti.gov.ph.