Task Force Kalasag, an enforcement unit under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), has intensified its operations in the first half of 2024, focusing on the seizure of unsafe products and ensuring compliance with the newly implemented Vape Law.
The Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) reported that Task Force Kalasag has been relentless in its efforts, confiscating over P122 million worth of uncertified, hazardous, and substandard products from various establishments nationwide. Among the seized items were electrical products, construction materials, and household appliances that do not comply with technical regulations for product standards and other fair-trade laws.
“Removing these unsafe products from circulation is a top priority for us,” said DTI Assistant Secretary Agaton Uvero.
“Our task force has worked tirelessly to ensure that only products that meet our safety standards are available to consumers. This not only protects the Filipino public but also underscores the importance of compliance among businesses.”
The DTI has also extended its activity to digital marketplaces, recognizing the challenges posed by the growth of e-commerce. The FTEB’s Online Monitoring Unit (OMU) has been overseeing the compliance of online businesses, monitoring over 11,000 firms in the first half of the year alone. This digital tracking is complemented by onsite inspections of over 104,000 brick-and-mortar shops, ensuring that products sold both online and offline meet the necessary safety and quality standards.
“As online shopping becomes more prevalent, it’s crucial that consumers are protected from substandard products,” FTEB Director Fhillip Sawali said. “Our OMU has been key in identifying and taking action against non-compliant businesses in the digital space.”
In addition to these enforcement and monitoring actions, Task Force Kalasag has been focused on ensuring adherence to the new Vape Law, which came into effect last June to mandate strict compliance with packaging, labeling, and sale restrictions, particularly to minors. Throughout the first half of 2024, the task force conducted multiple operations to ensure businesses comply with these new regulations and confiscated over P29 million worth of violative vape products
