The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has confiscated 186,329 units of uncertified steel products valued at ₱21.9 million during intensified enforcement operations in Pampanga, as part of efforts to remove substandard construction materials from the market.
The operation aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen consumer protection and ensure the safety and quality of building materials being sold nationwide.
The seized items, which included equal leg steel angle bars and deformed steel bars, were found without the required Philippine Standard (PS) and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) markings. These certifications indicate that products have passed mandatory safety and quality inspections. Authorities also noted the absence of essential labeling details, such as the manufacturer’s name and address.
According to the DTI, the enforcement actions were bolstered by reports from industry stakeholders and private sector partners. In one operation, authorities confiscated ₱19.6 million worth of uncertified steel products from a supplier flagged by a retailer. Another follow-up inspection, also prompted by industry intelligence, led to the seizure of an additional ₱2.3 million worth of non-compliant goods.
Hardware establishments found selling uncertified steel products were issued Notices of Violation and will face corresponding administrative penalties.
The crackdown was part of broader monitoring efforts conducted by the DTI Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB), which also carried out coordinated operations with partner agencies. On March 24, in collaboration with the National Bureau of Investigation–Special Action Unit (NBI-SAU), authorities seized around ₱1.1 million worth of uncertified LED lamps and electric fans.
The following day, a joint operation with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) resulted in the confiscation of approximately ₱25 million worth of counterfeit goods that likewise failed to meet required labeling standards.
The DTI-FTEB reiterated its commitment to sustained, on-the-ground enforcement to protect consumers, eliminate hazardous products from the market, and promote fair competition among compliant businesses nationwide.
