TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is warning local retailers and wholesalers to be vigilant of uncertified and substandard steel products they buy from manufacturers or distributors as it could endanger the lives and safety of their consumers.
Engr. Joey Gamrot, Product Certification Officer of Bureau of Products Standards during the DTI information campaign on May 17, said the agency is doubling its efforts to monitor substandard black iron and galvanized iron pipes and tubes, as mandated under Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 19-16, series of 2019, or the new technical regulations regarding the mandatory product certification of steel black and hot-dipped zinc-coated (galvanized) longitudinally welded steel pipes, to ensure consumers’ safety.
He also said that under Philippine National Standard (PNS) 49, series of 2020, substandard steel bars are also being strictly monitored. He said retailers, wholesalers or manufacturers found violating the order will face sanctions from the government.
Also under DTI Memorandum Circular No. 23-07 issued on 15 June 2023, Gamrot said that starting June 16, 2024, threaded fence tubes should no longer be seen in the market as it is prohibited for fire safety and environmental reasons. He said DTI will commence its market monitoring on June 16 to make sure that retailers are not selling prohibited steel tubes.
Engr. Mark Benedict Sarmiento of the Philippine Association of Black Iron and galvanized Iron Pipes and Tubes Manufacturers Inc. (BIGI), also warned that under PNS 26, series of 2018, non-hot dipped galvanized steel pipes is already violative, as it is unsafe to use for water line and gas line due to it being unable to hold extreme pressure and easily corrode.
Sarmiento also said that retailers and wholesalers should ask for a copy of the two-page Philippine Standard license of the distributor or manufacturer before buying. The PS license shows the product and its sizes the manufacturer or distributor is allowed to sell, which could help retailers avoid purchasing substandard products, he said.
Engr. Pat Santos of BIGI also advised them to measure the weight and length of the products using the standard gauging provided by DTI and look for marking requirements as per PNS 26, series of 2018 and DAO 19-16, series of 2019, before buying steel products.
Santos further warned that under Presidential Decree 748 or a decree on metric system, measurement in “inches” in receipt is prohibited.
Engr. Rudolf Miranda of the Philippine Steelmakers Association also said that under mandatory standards, the precautions in buying steel pipes are also true in buying steel bars. He further warned that “9 mm” steel bars do not exist and that retailers or wholesalers caught selling inappropriate sizes of steel bars will be charged and penalized. By Rod Asurin
