The Department Trade and Industry (DTI) will require the registration of entities engaged in the online sale of consumer products under mandatory certification to mitigate the proliferation of uncertified consumer products.
Under a draft department administrative order (DAO) posted on its website, the DTI said it will establish a registration system for online merchants and e-retailers of consumer products under mandatory certification to further protect consumers and promote the right to safety.
The DTI said it has been receiving reports on the prevalence of online sale of consumer products under mandatory certification with no Philippine Standards License and Import Commodity Clearance Certificate exposing Filipino consumers to safety hazards.
“Due to the massive and seamless nature of e-commerce, the origin of consumer products has become less identifiable,” said the DAO.
The registration covers online merchants and e-retailers and brand-new consumer products under mandatory certification of the Bureau of Product Standards for items like household appliances; consumer electronics; lighting and wiring devices; steel products; plastic pipes and ceramic products; cement and other construction materials; chemical products; automotive related products and other consumer products. Online merchants and e-retailers who refuse to register their online business with the DTI shall be issued with a Notice of Suspension of online operation.
