DTI forms International Electrotechnical Commission

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has approved the creation of the International Electrotechnical Commission-National Committee of the Philippines (IEC-NCP) to set strategic direction and manage all IEC-related activities in the country.

The IEC-NCP was created after Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez signed Department Administrative Order (DAO) 16-02.

The IEC-NCP will seek to ensure proper Philippine government and private sector representations in the IEC as well as their active participation in international standards development programs that are of interest to the country.

The IEC is a non-profit and non-governmental organization that publishes consensus-based international standards that manages conformity assessment systems for electric and electronic products, systems and services collectively known as electrotechnology.

IEC publications serve as basis for country standardization activities. It also facilitates world trade by providing common standards for use of its members.

According to the DTI, the Philippines has held full member status in the IEC since 1997.

“As the National Standards Body, the Philippines through the DTI- Bureau of Philippine Standards should maintain its membership and that is should be appropriately represented in the IEC. International standards on electrotechnology encourage economic growth and ensure that electric and electronic products are safe and efficient. Thus, it is imperative that Philippine National Standards are aligned to IEC international standards,” the agency said.

The DTI said implementing rules and guidelines of the IEC-NCP are currently being finalized and will be the subject of public consultations.