DTI Order on Consumer Product Labeling Rules

The Order is anchored on Republic Act No. 7394, otherwise known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines.
The Order references DTI Department Administrative Order No. 2, series of 1993, which implements Chapter IV of the Consumer Act on labeling and fair packaging.
The Order cites the State policy under Republic Act No. 7394 to protect consumers, promote general welfare, and establish standards of conduct for business and industry.
The Order is consistent with the Philippine obligation under the General Agreement on Tariff and Trade (GATT), particularly Article III on National Treatment on Internal taxation and Regulation.
The Order is expressly issued to update and tighten existing rules on product labeling and related information requirements.

The State policy under Republic Act No. 7394 protects consumers against hazards to health and safety.
The State policy under Republic Act No. 7394 protects consumers against deceptive, unfair and unconscionable sales act and practices.
The State enforces compulsory labeling and fair packaging to enable consumers to obtain accurate information on the nature, quality, and quantity of consumer products’ contents.
Compulsory labeling and fair packaging are intended to facilitate consumer comparison of product value.
The Order aims to tighten labeling rules for proper and correct description of goods, product labels with foreign characters/languages, and data on product contents and origins.

The Order covers all consumer products, whether locally manufactured or imported, sold in the Philippines.
Coverage includes consumer products that fall under the jurisdiction of the DTI as contemplated by R.A. 7384.
The mandatory labeling translation and labeling requirements apply to all manufacturers, distributors, importers, and repackers of covered consumer products.
The coordination and compliance obligations also apply to imported consumer products prior to release by the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Manufacturers, distributors, importers, and repackers must indicate in their labels or packaging a parallel translation in English or Filipino of the nature, quality, and quantity and other relevant information or instructions of the consumer product.
The translated information must be presented in a manner that cannot be easily removed, detached or erased under ordinary handling.
Stickers and other similar removable labels are not allowed for this translation requirement.
Removable labels may be used only where specifically required by other applicable rules and regulations.

In addition to the requirements in Chapter IV of the Consumer Act and DTI Department Administrative Order No. 2, series of 1993, all consumer products sold in the Philippines must indicate and specify the following:
- Country of manufacture.
- Required information of consumption duration safety (including an example requirement such as “good until December 2008”).
- Warranty of the manufacturer.
- Weight content prior to packaging.
- Consumer complaint desk address.
- All other information that fits the parameter of the consumers’ right to information.
The obligation applies to consumer products whether manufactured locally or imported.

The DTI, together with participation of a DTI accredited nationwide consumers organization, must exchange information with the BOC to ensure imported consumer products comply with Chapter IV of the Consumer Act and its implementing rules on product labeling and fair packaging.
The BOC must ensure that the labeling requirements are complied with prior to the release of imported products.

Any violation of the Order is handled in accordance with the Consumer Act of the Philippines and its implementing rules and regulations.
Enforcement consequences include impounding and quarantine of goods.
Enforcement consequences include repatriation of shipment to the country of origin.
The cost of repatriation is borne by the importer.

Manufacturers, distributors, importers, and repackers must comply within a transition period of at least six (6) months from the effectivity of the Order.
If any provision is declared unconstitutional, the validity of the other provisions remains unaffected.

Prior orders that are inconsistent with the present Order are repealed or amended accordingly.