The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it will investigate the issue being raised by the Federation of Philippine Industries regarding the alleged trade of unverified and substandard automotive batteries being marketed online, one of which carries the brand “GR Lithium Batteries.”
In a statement on Monday, the Trade Department said it regulates the sale of batteries covered under the mandatory Philippine Standard Licensing scheme, such as lead-acid batteries.
“However, while lithium batteries are not presently included in this mandatory coverage, the DTI will coordinate closely with the FPI to obtain further details regarding its allegations and concerns, and to determine the appropriate regulatory actions, if necessary,” the DTI said when sought for comment by DAILY TRIBUNE.
Earlier, FPI Chairman Emeritus Dr. Jesus Arranza, in a letter to Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, cited serious concerns about misleading claims and the absence of the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) mark on the said batteries, which, according to him, is a clear violation of existing product standards regulations.
Arranza disclosed that, based on Facebook posts monitored by his group, the company LED Lights Ph appears to be behind the marketing of the GR Lithium Batteries brand. However, it remains unclear if the firm is even authorized to sell automotive batteries in the country. The group noted that social media posts from the seller are “making grand promises and wild claims” that could deceive Filipino consumers.
The FPI chairman emeritus further stressed that the most alarming assertion is the five-year warranty being offered by the seller, putting customers at a disadvantage “because the company has no established track record that could guarantee it will still be in business long enough to honor such warranties.”
FPI members who monitored the online listings expressed alarm over the claims, pointing out that no ICC mark is visible on the products being promoted, suggesting they may have entered the country outside proper importation and certification channels.
With this, Arranza appealed to the DTI to act swiftly through the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS), the E-Commerce Bureau, and Task Force Kalasag to protect both Filipino motorists and legitimate businesses from the proliferation of illegal and substandard automotive batteries.