DTI cracks down on shops selling substandard motorcycle helmets

The Department of Trade and Industry is intensifying its campaign against retailers selling substandard motorcycle helmets in Central Luzon. According to the DTI on Monday, it has cracked down on several shops in Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, Tarlac and Nueva Ecija in accordance with Republic Act No. 10054, or the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2010, which requires motorcycle riders to wear standard protective helmets when traveling. Locally made helmets must have Philippine Standard (PS) marks and imported helmets must have import commodity clearance (ICC) stickers on them. DTI-3 found out that some of the motorcycle helmets sold in the shops were either lacking the required official marks and stickers, or bore “ICC” stickers of dubious authenticity. The stores were also found in violation of regulations banning the sale of unbranded helmets, brands that are not on the DTI-Certified Brand list, and helmets that do not follow the approved configuration. The department has warned that any seller or dealer in violation of the regulations will face fines ranging from P17,500 to P300,000 and the destruction of the seized products. Tampering, alteration, forgery and imitation of the PS and ICC marks on the helmets shall likewise be penalized with the same fine, without prejudice to other penalties imposed in the Consumer Act of the Philippines (RA 7394). — BM, GMA News