WAREHOUSE IN VALENZUELA WITH  P7.8-M UNCERTIFIED HOME APPLIANCES ORDERED CLOSED

THE Department of Trade and Industry on Friday closed a warehouse in Valenzuela City storing P7.8 million worth of uncertified home appliances.

The DTI’s Task Force Kalasag served the closure order against OOKAS PH warehouse in Paso de Blas, Valenzuela City.

The DTI Task Force was assisted by the  Valenzuela Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) in serving the closure order following a seizure operation on June 26.

Seized were 9,874 appliances, including induction cookers, electric kettles, electric fans, rice cookers, food processors, blenders and washing machines.

According to the DTI, OOKAS PH violated Republic Act (RA) 4109 or the Products Standards Law and Department Administrative Order 02 as the home appliances in its storage facility do not have the proper markings such as the required Philippine Standard marks and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers.

“The DTI is unwavering in its mission to relentlessly pursue and eliminate all uncertified products from the market, including household appliances that have not undergone the mandatory DTI certification process,” DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual said.

“These uncertified appliances pose a grave risk to consumers, as their untested components and faulty wiring can lead to electric shocks, fires, injuries, and even fatalities. We will not rest until every uncertified product is removed, ensuring the safety and well-being of every Filipino consumer,” Pascual added.

When buying goods, consumers were urged to check the certified markings to make sure that the products conform to the Philippine National Standards.

According to the DTI, consumers can also verify a product’s certification through the ICC Verification System mobile app.

The DTI urged the public to report any retailers, distributors, or manufacturers selling uncertified items through its Consumer Care Hotline at DTI (1-384) or by emailing consumercare@dti.gov.ph.