Question & AnswerQ&A (BPS DTI AND DOE JOINT CIRCULAR NO. 11-01)
The guidelines cover window type and split-type air conditioners with cooling capacity up to 36,000 kJ/h that operate using refrigeration by vapor compression cycle and electricity (rated up to 230 volts and 60 Hz) as the main power source, specifying rules for PNS 396-1:2007 Part 1 relating to energy efficiency ratio and labeling requirements.
EER is the quotient of the cooling capacity in kilojoules per hour divided by the electrical power input in watts as determined by PNS 240:1998/ISO 5151.
Manufacturers and assemblers of room air conditioners are required to apply for the PS Quality Certification License with DTI-BPS or its regional/provincial offices.
ICC is a document issued by DTI attesting that imported room air conditioners meet the specific standard requirements under DAO 5, series of 2008. Importers of room air conditioners must apply for ICC on a per shipment per bill of lading basis.
DTI is responsible for preparing minimum supervision schemes, drawing test samples, informing licensees of standard changes, maintaining a license registry, coordinating inspections, evaluating assessments, issuing or revoking licenses, and implementing legal actions for violations.
DOE-ERTLS is the official testing laboratory responsible for setting up testing facilities, ensuring test integrity, conducting tests, validating energy labels, issuing control numbers, inspecting generic models, maintaining certified product lists, and coordinating with DTI-BPS.
They must undertake corrective measures such as downgrading claims, recall of units if already sold, destruction or re-export of imports, stop using energy labels or PS/ICC marks, and only market products after reassessment and compliance.
The manufacturer/importer must submit revised claims within 15 days upon notice, notify all distributors and DTI-BPS/DOE, update labels within 30 days, revise advertising materials, and re-label inventories. Voluntary changes require written approval and valid test results.
A manufacturer who has properly tested another’s product and found misstated claims may submit a detailed report to DTI-BPS and request another test unit be tested by DOE-LATL. Costs depend on whether the challenge is upheld or not.
Penalties include denial, suspension, or revocation of PS Marks or ICC license, destruction or re-export of non-compliant imports, mandatory recall of units in the market, prohibition from using PS/ICC marks or energy labels, and possible legal action coordinated by DTI.