THE government’s intensified enforcement efforts have yielded positive results, preventing over P150 million worth of substandard products from flooding the market and protecting Filipino consumers.
In a report submitted to the Department of Trade and Industry, the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) highlighted the economic gains resulting from the formation of a task force targeting substandard products and illegal vapes.
The FTEB reported the confiscation of more than P150 million worth of substandard products, including illegal vapes, to safeguard consumers and legitimate businesses. Of the total, more than P147 million was attributed to Task Force Kalasag, which was established in March 2024.
Task Force Kalasag conducted 12 enforcement rounds from April 22 to July 30 and inspected 1,804 stores. The task force, a composite team of technical staff from the FTEB and DTI regional offices, became operational in April 2024 to conduct nationwide monitoring and enforcement activities, ensuring businesses comply with technical and legal regulations affecting critical consumer commodities, including vape products.
“With a combined retail value of P147.68 million for all the confiscated products, set against the initial budget of P43 million for creating and mobilizing Task Force Kalasag, it is safe to say that the DTI’s investment in heightened enforcement has paid off,” the FTEB said.
The FTEB said the increased consumer protection and awareness, along with the prevention of economic losses from health- and safety-related hazards, has been achieved by removing uncertified and dangerous consumer products from the market.
The FTEB serves as the DTI’s regulatory and implementing arm, enforcing compliance with various trade and industry laws.
Overall, the FTEB confiscated 423,077 products valued at P151.56 million as of Aug. 2, 2024. Of the total, 357,932 products worth P122 million violated technical regulations, while 65,145 units valued at P29.69 million violated the Vape Law.
The FTEB’s regular monitoring and enforcement activities in the National Capital Region were expanded nationwide under Department Order No. 24-56, which established Task Force Kalasag.
The task force seized 421,670 products for violating product and safety standards and the Vape Law, issuing 509 notices of violation.
The FTEB monitored 1,611 retail firms, finding 1,186 compliant and 424 noncompliant. It issued 424 notices of violation and seized 356,525 products worth P117.99 million.
In enforcing Republic Act No. 11900, or the Vape Law, the FTEB monitored 193 vape shops, finding 99 compliant and 85 noncompliant. It issued 85 notices of violation and seized 65,145 vape products worth P29.69 million.
“In violation of RA 11900, as implemented by DAO No. 22-16: 2022, many vape stores were found selling products with flavor descriptors and images appealing to minors, or located within 100 meters of areas frequented by minors,” the FTEB said.
Task Force Kalasag’s largest seizure was valued at P24.86 million in Parañaque City last April 23
The DTI-FTEB’s online monitoring team also inspected 94,739 online firms, issuing 494 show-cause orders and flagging 77,069 violative product listings, mostly on Facebook. The flagged links or URLs were removed.
The FTEB issued show-cause orders to 494 online stores, including 285 on Facebook, 44 on Lazada, 85 on Shopee, 71 on TikTok, and nine on company websites.
Of the 77,069 URLs/links removed as of Aug. 2, 2024, 49,393 were on Facebook, 18,869 on Lazada, 5,292 on Shopee, 1,782 on Instagram, 987 on Carousell, 740 on TikTok, and nine on company websites with a complete address.
The FTEB teams up with the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Health, Department of Education, Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and 15 of 17 local government units in the National Capital Region. It also partners with civil society groups.
