DTI-Davao: Window for issuing ICCs for motorbike helmets closed

The Department of Trade and Industry-Davao Region has stated again that the window for issuing Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers for motorcycle helmets has closed. The DTI's Davao branch scheduled the issuance of stickers from August to November 2012, but continued issuing the stickers to individual motorcycle owners until December 28, the last working day of 2012. Last year, the DTI urged motorcycle owners to have their helmets inspected and marked with ICC stickers—or Philippine Standard (PS) marks for locally made helmets—to avoid penalties imposed by the Land Transportation Office starting Jan. 1, 2013. The Department's issuance of the ICC sticker was pursuant to its and the Department of Transportation and Communications' joint Administrative Order No. 1-2011, in consonance with Republic Act 10054, also known as the Helmet Law. According to preliminary data, DTI-Davao issued 33,714 ICC stickers to helmets that met product safety standards during the issuannce period. Almost 20,000 of the total were issued in Davao City. Motorcycle riders who are caught wearing helmets without the required ICC or PS stickers face fines of P1,500 (first offense), P3,000 (second offense) and P5,000 (third offense). — BM, GMA News