THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 7 has vowed to intensify its enforcement activities against businesses selling substandard products to protect consumers.

This, after five firms in Cebu and 13 in Bohol were found to have violated the Standards Law and Consumer Act of the Philippines.

DTI 7 Director Asteria Caberte said they recently seized construction materials, household appliances, and electrical and other consumer products from firms in Cebu and Bohol that did not bear the Philippine Standard (PS) and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) marks.

Establishments that comply with the performance and safety requirements of the Philippine National Standard are issued the PS license or the ICC certificate and are allowed to distribute and sell in the market with the PS or ICC mark.

Republic Act 4109 or the Standards Law states that the distribution or sale of any product that does not conform to the Bureau of Philippines Standards Product Certification Scheme and required Philippine National Standard quality or safety standards and tests is prohibited.

Caberte said her office will go after firms selling uncertified, inferior or substandard products. (KOC)