DTI tightens rules on glass standards

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is enforcing strict regulations to protect Filipino consumers from unsafe and substandard glass products.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez has vowed to closely monitor the implementation of Department Administrative Order (DAO) 19-05 issued last March, which sets new technical regulations and mandatory product certification for local and imported flat glass and other similar glass products.

This is consistent with DTI's strict regulations governing cement, steel, electrical supplies and other construction materials.

In an interview at the sidelines of the DTI's  recent budget hearing in Congress, Lopez cited the importance of regulating the glass industry following concerns on the flooding of substandard imports in the local market.

“This measure seeks to protect consumers by making sure that all imported flat glass products in the market meet standard compliance requirements. This is really for consumer safety,” he explained.

Lopez said that the new regulation also applies to locally produced glass products.

“What’s important really is to make sure these products undergo testing before they go to the market,” the DTI chief pointed out.

Under DAO 19-05, local flat glass must be produced by Philippine Standard certified plants while imported ones are now required to undergo quality tests and secure import commodity clearance marks before they could be sold in the market.

Apart from flat glass, the order also covers heat-strengthened and fully laminated flat glass, laminated glass and laminated safety glass in buildings as well as bent glass.

These products will, likewise, be submitted for sampling by the Bureau of Product Standards, Trade Regional Office or BPS inspection body within a prescribed time and in accordance with existing BPS inspection and sampling procedures.

Products affixed with the required marks assure consumers of their quality and safety.

Uncertified products will be seized, while retailers or wholesalers found selling non-certificate items will be fined up to P300,000, without prejudice to the filing of criminal or civil actions under applicable laws.

Flat glass, most commonly used for windows and doors in houses, buildings and automobiles, was delisted from the BPS’ certification scheme in 2015.   

Apart from quality control and consumer protection, the DTI likewise recently moved to protect the local industry from influx of imported flat glass products.

DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY