Question & AnswerQ&A (DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 18-03)
The legal basis includes Republic Act 4109, Republic Act 7394, Executive Order Nos. 913 (1983), 133 (1987), and 101 (1967), Department Administrative Orders No. 4 and No. 5 Series of 2008, No. 2 Series of 2007, and Section 10 (4), Title X Book IV of the Administrative Code of 1987.
Household and similar electrical appliances including electric irons, spin extractors, washing machines, portable cooking appliances, kitchen machines, appliances for heating liquids, refrigerating appliances, microwave ovens, air conditioners, electric fans, and audio/video apparatus within specified voltage and use parameters are covered.
All manufacturers and importers of the products covered by the Order are required to comply with the mandatory Philippine National Standards.
Manufacturers must secure a Philippine Standard (PS) Certification Mark License, while importers must obtain an Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) before distribution and sale of the covered products.
Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) is a document issued by the Department of Trade and Industry attesting that the quality and/or safety of an imported product conforms to a Philippine National Standard (PNS) or BPS-recognized international/foreign standard.
It covers electric dry irons and steam irons for household and similar purposes with rated voltage up to 250 V a.c.
No, appliances exclusively for industrial purposes are not covered by this Order.
They are responsible for implementing the product certification schemes, conducting market surveillance, sample testing, and ensuring compliance in accordance with DAO 4:2008, DAO 5:2008, and their future amendments.
Test samples are drawn randomly either from import shipments or manufacturer’s production lines. Some units are tested in-plant under BPS representation while others are sent for independent testing in a BPS recognized laboratory.
Products must have markings/labels as prescribed by the relevant Philippine National Standard, DAO 04:2008/DAO 05:2008 and amendments, and the Consumer Act of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 7394).
Samples may be stored by the testing laboratory for reference and contestation. If not contested within two months, test results become final, and samples are returned or disposed of as per rules. BPS and laboratories are not liable for any damage during testing or transport.
Manufacturers and importers were required to undergo mandatory certification six months after the Order's effectivity date.
If any provision or part of this Administrative Order is declared invalid, the remaining provisions unaffected by the invalidity shall remain in force and effect.
Yes, manufacturers and importers may apply for voluntary certification within six months after the date of effectivity of the Order.
Appropriate legal actions or necessary sanctions may be imposed by BPS, FTEB, and DTI regional and provincial offices in accordance with relevant laws, rules, and regulations.