Cement importers back DTI vs substandard products

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Cement Importers Association (PCIA) has expressed its support to the campaign of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) against substandard cement, lauding the agency’s new draft department administrative order (DAO) on cement which has a provision repealing a previously issued “controversial” order.

In a statement, PCIA executive director Dani Enriquez said the group is against importation of substandard cement and as such, backs all DTI initiatives particularly on consumer protection.

“The DTI has the responsibility to ensure consumer protection. As such, it is just imperative for DTI to come up with policies to reinforce existing product conformance and certification schemes especially on imported products,” Enriquez said.

Enriquez said the PCIA has proposed to take an active part in monitoring and enforcement against substandard cement, whether imported or locally manufactured.

“We do not want substandard cement coming in the country. It is not only bad for business, it is also bad for the infrastructure programs of President Duterte. That is why the PCIA strongly proposes that imported cement be tested at the port of loading or origin so that we know whether it is good quality or not before it is shipped to the Philippines,” he said.

“Although, international rules allow an option to have it tested here in the country, I prefer not having them landed in the Philippines until they show proof that the cement passed the testing at the point of origin,” Enriquez added.

DTI’s latest draft DAO on cement proposes options in accordance to International Standards 17067 and repeals the controversial DAO 17-05 which caused uproars in the cement and construction industries.

 “The BPS draft DAO is a welcome development. It is compliant to the key principles and obligations in the agreement on technical barriers to trade as administered by the World Trade Organization,” Enriquez said.

“I do not blame the DTI if they came up with rules that were not exactly favorable to traders. DTI is duty bound to perform a responsibility to protect consumers. However, I hope that their future initiatives demonstrate more balance with their other function which is enabling business,” he added.

According to the PCIA official, cement importation remains crippled at present – except for local manufacturers-importers who are exempted from the ICC procedures – due to the DAO 17-05.

“We have to wait until this new DAO which repeals DAO 17-05 is signed and approved by DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez. Until then, the importers shall have no choice but to comply with the rules regardless if they find so many obstacles to business and international trading,” Enriquez said.

Enriquez said the PCIA in the meantime is studying legal methods to extend assistance to the DTI in monitoring violative cement products.