DTI advises: Buy only certified electrical, electronic goods

Faulty electrical wirings are considered to be the top reason for fire in residential and commercial spaces in the country.

As such, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is once again urging the public to buy only certified electrical and electronic goods. The reminder was issued by the DTI in time for the celebration of the National Electrical Safety Month.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection, of the 2,307 fire incidents from 1 January to 27 February 2025, 625 incidents were caused by electrical issues, considered the most common cause of fire in the same period last year, with 1,181 cases.

“In observance of National Electrical Safety Month this May, we urge the public and industry stakeholders to prioritize safety across the entire electrical and electronic goods. This includes responsible manufacturing, stringent quality control during importation, and diligent retail practices to ensure paramount safety for every consumer purchase,” said DTI Secretary Cristina Roque.

Public safety mandate

The DTI is reinforcing its mandate for public safety by intensifying the monitoring of consumer products and implementing key regulations, including the Consumer Act of the Philippines (RA 7394) the Price Act (RA 7581 as amended by RA 10623) and the Product Standards Law (RA 4109).

This resulted in the seizure of P134.4 million worth of uncertified and potentially dangerous electrical and electronic products since 2023.

The significant haul includes a total of 382,290 units of lighting equipment, wiring cables and devices, consumer electronics, and household appliances, all confiscated for lacking the mandatory Philippine Standard Quality and/or Safety Mark, and the Import Commodity Clearance stickers.

Electrical Safety Month

Proclaimed under Presidential Proclamation No. 193, issued on 27 June 2011, Electrical Safety Month is observed every May to raise public awareness of electrical safety practices and prevent accidents and economic losses caused by electrical hazards.

Under this, the DTI’s Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) — as the country’s National Standards Body — is tasked with developing, promulgating and implementing the standardization of electrical products.

Supporting this crucial function, the DTI’s Fair-Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) conducts market inspections and seizes uncertified items that pose risks of fire, injury, and fatality.

“This initiative reflects our enduring commitment to Filipinos from risks associated with unregulated and non-compliant products. The DTI, in partnership with informed consumers, responsible businesses, and proactive industries, advocates for quality and safety in the market,” said DTI-Fair Trade Group supervising head and Assistant Secretary Agaton Teodoro Uvero, who led the operations of the BPS and the FTEB.