The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Central Visayas (DTI-7) confiscated non-compliant products valued at P1.4 million on Sunday.

DTI’s Task Force Kalasag conducted three separate operations, resulting in the seizure of 20,815 units of substandard products. These included steel products, lighters, liquefied petroleum gas-related items, electrical lighting and wiring devices, household appliances, construction materials, and automotive-related items.

“The Department of Trade and Industry, through its Task Force Kalasag, successfully carried out a targeted monitoring and enforcement operation across various establishments. This intensified operation led to the confiscation of 20,815 units of non-compliant steel products and other items, with a total retail value of P1,440,758.50,” DTI said in a statement.

The seized products lacked the required Philippine Standard (PS) marks, Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers, and other necessary manufacturer information, violating Republic Act 7394, also known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines, Republic Act 4109 (Products Standards Law), and Department Administrative Order 02:2007.

DTI-7 Regional Director Mafia Elena Arbon informed the media that all cases will undergo due process, which includes prosecution, validation, and, if necessary, the filing of formal charges followed by adjudication under the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB).

“All cases will undergo due process, including prosecution and validation. If necessary, formal charges will be filed and adjudicated. The operation is under FTEB, and therefore, we do not have specific details at this time,” she explained.

DTI Secretary Cristina Roque emphasized the agency’s commitment to ensuring that only certified, high-quality products reach consumers.

“As part of DTI’s mandate to uphold the highest standards of service nationwide, we are fully committed to protecting consumers by ensuring that only certified, quality products enter the market. We also ensure that our monitoring and enforcement teams have the expertise and knowledge necessary to provide exceptional service,” Roque stated.

DTI-FTEB Director Regino Mallari Jr. underscored the importance of ensuring that construction and engineering materials sold in the market are safe and certified.

The E-Kalasag program, launched in April 2024, aims to strengthen consumer protection and fair trade compliance in both digital and physical markets.

Through E-Kalasag, 489 retail firms were monitored, 57 notices of violation were issued, and P8.3 million worth of non-compliant products were confiscated, totaling 60,020 seized units.