SAN JOSE, Antique, Nov. 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has reminded business establishments in Antique to adhere to quality standards when selling their products.

Trade and Industry Development Specialist Glen Fernando shared that DTI has been conducting enforcement and monitoring activities to businesses covered by mandatory standards certification in compliance to the Standards Law.

"When we refer to mandatory (products), this is subject to the testing of accredited laboratories of the Bureau of Philippine Standards prior to distribution and selling," Fernando explained.

Among those mandatory products that were monitored include electrical supplies, construction materials, household appliances, and chemical and mechanical products.

To note, DTI has conducted an enforcement activity last year in San Jose which resulted to the confiscation of over one thousand substandard steel bars.

Fernando disclosed that formal charges and penalties await to those erring businesses.

Meanwhile, consumers were advised to be vigilant and refrain from buying substandard products as these posed danger to lives and properties.

"There should be continuous advocacy so that we can educate and awaken the awareness of both retailers and consumers since our laws on product standards have been there. But still, we cannot negate that there are uncertified products proliferating in the market," Fernando conveyed.

Certified products bear the markings of product safety and quality seal and import commodity clearance, according to DTI.

Fernando also encouraged stores to seek DTI's guidance should they are in doubt with the quality of supplies delivered to them. (LTP/LML-PIA6 Antique)