Coverage and Compliance Requirements
- The standard applies to all manufacturers, distributors, importers, and retailers of flat glass products.
- Compliance with the specifications under PNS 193-2005 is compulsory.
Product Certification Scheme and Licensing
- Manufacturers and importers must secure a Philippine Standard (PS) License and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) respectively before distributing or selling flat glass.
- Certification is through the DTI-Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) Product Certification Scheme, involving third-party assessment.
Implementation Guidelines and Coordination
- The DTI-BPS will issue guidelines detailing the implementation timetable.
- Guidelines will consider inventory, production capacities, and testing capabilities.
- Implementation is coordinated with DTI regional/provincial offices and the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection (BTRCP).
Penal Provisions for Non-Compliance
- Non-compliance by any party will incur penalties as provided under R.A. 7394 (Consumer Act), EO 913, and related administrative orders.
Repeal of Inconsistent Orders
- Any prior orders or provisions inconsistent with this administrative order are repealed or amended accordingly.
Effectivity
- The order takes effect 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation or in the Official Gazette.
Necessity of Mandatory Certification
- Flat glass is critical in architectural applications demanding safety and quality, including mirrors, coatings, and glazing.
- Unregulated markets lead to quality compromises due to competition.
- Local industries requested regulation due to recurring complaints about breakage, inadequate thickness, distortion, and blemishes.
- The technical committee on glass developed and recommended the mandatory implementation of the standard for consumer protection and to prevent substandard products.
Products Covered by Mandatory Certification
- Float glass (clear and tinted)
- Patterned/figured glass (clear and tinted)
- Sheet glass
- Wired glass (clear and tinted)
- Polished plate glass (clear and tinted)
- Polished wired glass (clear and tinted)
Market Impact of Mandatory Certification
- Only certified flat glass products may be legally distributed and sold in the Philippines.
- Substandard and uncertified flat glass products will be banned from the market to safeguard consumer safety and health.