Trade department distributes ICC helmet stickers

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has started the implementation of Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers for motorcycle helmets in Pampanga as part of the implementation of Republic Act 10054.

Republic Act 10054 or the Motorcycle Helmet Law mandates the DTI to facilitate the processing of product standard application and conduct factory/product assessment and ICC application (evaluation, inspection, sampling, issuance/denial,) as well as conduct market monitoring and enforcement of standard with the power to take legal action against violators of the standard.

However, ICC stickers will be given to applicants who have helmets that can pass the quality standard specified by the Bureau of Product Standard (BPS).

The DTI urged motorcycle riders who have helmets that do not have ICC stickers but can comply with the BPS standard to apply at the DTI office.

The helmets that do not have ICC stickers will be considered substandard during the implementation of the helmet law starting August 1 and will be meted with appropriate penalties from apprehending Land Transportation Office officials.

Majority of the helmet products in the Philippines are imported. Under the new law, those who purchased or has received helmets and visors from a foreign country shall secure clearance from the BPS or from the nearest DTI regional or provincial office prior to their use, provided that the helmets and visors have a mark of conformity that they comply with the PNS UN-ECE Reg 22-2007.

Also, local manufacturers are tasked to apply for the Philippine Standard (PS) Quality and/or Safety Certification License with the BPS, or with the nearest DTI regional or provincial office. Requirements, procedures and processing of PS application are governed by DAO 4:2008 and its implementing rules and regulations.

Importers are also asked to apply for the ICC on a per shipment per bill of lading basis with the BPS or with the nearest DTI regional or provincial office. Requirements, procedures and processing of ICC application are governed by DAO 5:2008 and its implementing rules and regulations.

The implementation of the ICC on helmets aims to ensure that only standard helmets are used on the road by riders.

Motorcycle accidents account for the majority of road accidents in the country for 2010 and 2011. Fatalities are usually those who do not wear proper protective gears and helmets. (Ian Ocampo Flora)