THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it is seeking to establish a registration process for online merchants of consumer products to ensure their products meet certification standards.
In a notice issued on Nov. 21, the DTI posted the draft department administrative order (DAO) on the registration process for e-retailers carrying products subject to mandatory certification by the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS).
“This order shall apply to online merchants and e-retailers engaged in business in the Philippines and brand-new consumer products under mandatory certification of the BPS,” the order read.
The registration will come in phases, with household appliances and consumer electronics scheduled to start 90 days after the effectivity of the DAO.
Registration for lighting and wiring devices, steel products, plastic pipes and ceramic products, and cement and other construction materials is scheduled for May 2025, while chemical products, automotive-related products, and other consumer products are scheduled for September 2025.
“Online merchants and e-retailers who refuse to register their online business with the DTI shall be issued a notice of suspension of online operation until the registration is made without prejudice to any other imposable administrative or criminal liability,” according to the order.
According to the DTI, the draft DAO will be presented to government agencies and e-marketplaces on Nov. 26. It will be presented to brick-and-mortar sellers or e-retailers, consumers, and consumer organizations on Nov. 27.
“The DTI has been receiving reports on the prevalence of online sale of consumer products under mandatory certification with no Philippine Standards License and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Certificate exposing Filipino consumers to safety hazards,” according to the order.
“To control … sale of uncertified consumer products, the DTI is establishing a registration system for online merchants and e-retailers of consumer products under mandatory certification to further protect consumers and promote the right to safety,” it added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile
