The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) successfully carried out its heightened enforcement of technical regulations, resulting in the confiscation of uncertified fireworks in Bocaue, Bulacan.
During the enforcement operations, four out of the 33 inspected retail firms were issued with Notices of Violation (NOV) for selling fireworks not covered by the Philippine Standard (PS) license and for using an improper PS mark, resulting in the seizure of a total of 1,543 products.
Retail stores were given 48 hours to provide an explanation related to the findings of non-compliance as part of the due process.
“Prioritize product safety.”
Assistant Secretary Amanda Marie Nograles spearheaded the enforcement operations, actively urging the public to prioritize product safety.
Nograles emphasized the importance of verifying product labels, specifically checking for the PS mark accompanied by a valid license number.
“Not all PS marks may be legitimate.”
“This verification is crucial for ensuring the quality and safety of the product,” the trade official said.
Additionally, she reminded consumers to exercise vigilance by checking the official list of licensed manufacturers and models. Nograles cautioned that not all PS marks may be legitimate.
DTI reminds the consumers to check and be guided by the list of PS-licensed fireworks issued by the DTI-BPS. As of 13 December 2023, there are 15 local brand names and their corresponding manufacturers listed with PS-license, including 4Sure Fireworks, A. Santiago Fireworks, Andy’s Fireworks, Double L, Dragon Fireworks, Diamond, LF Fireworks, LLF, Maribel Sta. Ana Fireworks, Nation, Pegasus, Phoenix, Star Light, Yangco Fireworks, and JPL Fireworks.
The enforcement of the uncertified fireworks is pursuant to Republic Act (RA) No. 7183 or the Law on Pyrotechnic Devices, which prohibits the importation of finished firecrackers and fireworks.
The DTI’s nationwide initiative against unlicensed fireworks highlights the enforcement of technical regulations, mandating compliance with Philippine Standard Certification Mark Schemes, particularly Department Administrative Order No. 02, Series of 2007.
The said enforcement focuses on compliance under General Categories 1, 2, and 3, as specified in Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 22-08 Series of 2022.
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 111 products and systems through implementing Mandatory Product Certification Schemes: the PS Quality and/or Safety Certification Mark Licensing Scheme and the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Certification Scheme.
From January to November 2023, FTEB has already confiscated 129,701 pieces of uncertified products worth Php 38,199,688.58.
DTI also encourages consumers to report on retailers, distributors, and manufacturers that sell unlicensed fireworks.
Consumer complaints may also be sent through consumercare@dti.gov.ph email or by calling the consumer care hotline at 1-DTI (1-384).
