The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the MIMAROPA region is reminding consumers of their right to return defective products to stores, especially if these items have proper certification marks or stickers.
According to Versuelo R. Garcia III, chief of the Consumer Protection Division of DTI MIMAROPA, consumers to buy products that have Philippine Standard (PS) and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) marks. These marks certify that the item has undergone safety and quality checks and make it easier to trace manufacturers in case of defects.
“Ang importante d’yan, kung may PS o ICC [sticker] madali na natin ma-trace ‘yung manufacturer. Kung may PS at ICC marking yan, dumaan dapat sa tamang proseso yan,” Garcia explained.
He emphasized that these certification marks also give consumers the right to demand a replacement or refund if a product turns out to be faulty.
“Yan ang kagandahan pag may ganun, puwede nating i-enforce ‘yung ating karapatan bilang mamimili na ibalik kapag depektibo ‘yung produkto. Maganda kapag may PS or ICC marking yan, mas madali natin maireklamo,” he added.
To further help consumers verify the authenticity of ICC stickers, DTI has launched the ICC Verification Mobile App, which allows users to scan the ICC stickers on products and check if they are valid. The app is designed to prevent the circulation of counterfeit or substandard goods in the market. Consumers are encouraged to download the app to ensure they are purchasing only safe and high-quality products.
“Available ‘yung ICC sticker verification system namin, dinevelop yan ng Bureau of Product Standards para ma-detect kung fake o hindi ‘yung isang produkto. D’yan makikita kung sino ang manufacturer, at makikita kung ang sticker ay para sa produktong nabili niyo talaga,” said Garcia.
The DTI also reminds the public that businesses must comply with consumer protection laws, and any establishment refusing to accept returns for defective products may face penalties or sanctions. (PJF/PIA MIMAROPA-Romblon)
