With the ongoing trade tensions between China and the US, concerns are rising over the potential influx of substandard products into the Philippine market.

The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) has raised alarms, urging government regulators to take a more proactive role in protecting consumers from such imports. Dr. Jesus L. Arranza, FPI chairman, emphasized the need for intensified inspections and testing, particularly for Chinese-made products that have a history of failing to meet both local and international quality standards.

A recent incident brought this issue to light, when a joint raid by the National Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) uncovered nearly P100 million worth of automotive batteries without the necessary import clearance. These batteries, some of which had already entered the market, were found to be substandard, failing critical quality tests like the Ampere Hour Test, Cold Cranking Ampere, and Heavy Load Endurance Test.

“Batteries like these could explode or catch fire at any moment,” said Arranza, highlighting the risks associated with such substandard products, especially given that there are approximately 38 million vehicles in the Philippines. Social media posts from consumers have further fueled concerns, with reports of imported batteries malfunctioning.

The FPI has called for the Philippine Association of Battery Manufacturers (PABMA) to conduct more extensive testing of Chinese automotive battery brands currently sold locally. However, the FPI also expressed concern about other products from China that may be entering the market without proper inspection or certification, thus jeopardizing public safety.

Arranza stressed the importance of the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in combating the influx of substandard goods. He reiterated that these agencies must play a central role in both monitoring and testing imported products to ensure that they meet the required standards. “Our first line of defense against these substandard products is the FDA and BPS,” he said, adding that the Bureau of Internal Revenue could also help by scrutinizing the financial records of unscrupulous importers.

Furthermore, Arranza called for a national information drive to raise awareness about the dangers of substandard products and their long-term impact on both the economy and local manufacturers. He emphasized that while these goods may be cheaper, their poor quality often leads to greater long-term costs, including potential safety hazards.

“We want to educate consumers that while these substandard products may seem like a good deal, they come with hidden dangers and poor performance. Their cheapness should not be a reason to compromise safety,” Arranza concluded.