DTI R1 EMPOWERS CONSUMERS, HOLDS INFORMATION DRIVE ON STEEL PIPE STANDARDS

THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 1, in partnership with the Philippine Association of Black Iron and Galvanized Iron Pipes and Tubes Manufacturers Inc., organized an information drive from May 20 to 24 across various provinces in Northern Luzon to educate stakeholders on two new steel pipe standards.

Driven by the growing concerns about uncertified and undersized steel pipes in the domestic market, which did not meet the Philippine National Standards 26 and 2145, the DTI prioritized public education about these crucial standards.

The information drive aimed to educate consumers on how to identify safe and high-quality steel pipes against uncertified and substandard ones. Consumers also learned to differentiate between hot-dipped galvanized and pre-galvanized iron steel pipes. Understanding these variations will empower consumers to identify suitable steel pipes, particularly for critical applications like building water lines or stocking their businesses for resale.

This initiative aligns with the provisions of Republic Act No. 7394, or the The Consumer Act of the Philippines, which is aimed at safeguarding consumers from health and safety hazards and ensuring the market only offers standardized products.

Currently, the Bureau of Philippine Standards enforces two mandatory product certification schemes: (1) the Philippine Standard Quality and/or Safety Certification Mark Licensing Scheme and (2) the Import Commodity Clearance Certification Scheme. These schemes cover 111 products and systems across nine major product groups, including steel products.