DTI urges buyers to check safety marks of appliances, devices

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is intensifying its monitoring of appliance sellers, including online merchants, to ensure products being sold comply with mandatory safety standards.

According to a report by Bernadette Reyes on "24 Oras Weekend" on Saturday, DTI inspectors found that imported and locally made products at a department store in Pasig City carried the required certification marks during a surprise inspection.

Imported appliances carried legitimate Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers, while locally manufactured products bore the Philippine Standard (PS) mark, both indicating compliance with government quality and safety requirements.

“Importante po ito para we can make sure na yung mga appliances na binibili nila are pasado sa standard set by the DTI. Kasi mahirap na po ang mga appliances ngayon—nakaka-cause na siya ng sunog, nakaka-cause rin siya ng aberya,” DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said.

(This check is important to make sure that the appliances consumers buy comply with the standards set by the Department of Trade and Industry. Appliances these days can cause fires and other problems if they fail to meet safety requirements.)

Consumers were also urged to verify the authenticity of PS marks through the ICC Verification App.

The DTI reminded the public that while price often influences purchasing decisions, quality and safety should remain a priority, especially for electrical products such as extension cords and appliances.

Beyond physical stores and malls, the agency said it is also closely monitoring online marketplaces, where appliance sales continue to grow.

Under an existing department order, e-commerce platforms and online merchants are required to display their business licenses as well as PS or ICC certifications for products covered by mandatory standards.

The move aims to protect consumers from substandard or potentially hazardous items.

One buyer, Leonora, recounted her disappointment after receiving a defective appliance purchased online.

“Sabi ko, ‘Ano ba ’yan? Sana bago kayo magbenta, siguraduhin niyong buo kasi nakakadismaya ’yan sa mga customer. Kasi hindi na siya uulit para bumili,’” she said, adding that she eventually threw the item away.

(“I asked the seller, ‘What is this? Before you sell something, you should make sure it’s complete because it’s disappointing for customers. They won’t come back to buy again.)

From 2024 to the present, the DTI said it has issued notices of violation to 238 companies for failing to comply with mandatory product standards, including the absence of ICC stickers or PS markings.

Consumers with complaints may contact the DTI through its hotline, 1-DTI, or send their concerns via email.—MCG, GMA News