Foreign manufacturers of products covered by the Mandatory Product Certification Scheme (MPCS) should file for an exemption from the scheme to expedite release of their shipments at Philippine ports, advises the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
In an advisory dated October 10, DTI said foreign holders of a Philippine Standards (PS) license covered by the MPCS must file for a Certificate of Exemption (CE) through their local counterpart five days before their shipments arrive to ensure the fast release of their cargoes at Philippine ports.
The CE is issued free of charge, DTI said.
The DTI’s Bureau of Philippine Standards issues PS licenses to manufacturers and Import Commodity Clearance certificates to importers of products covered by mandatory Philippine National Standards (PNS), as prescribed under DTI Department Administrative Orders 4-2008 and 5-2008, and Republic Act 4109, or the Standards Law.
Building and construction materials, electrical and electronic home appliances, and chemical and consumer products are covered by mandatory PNS.
All products covered by the mandatory product certification need a PS or ICC mark so they can be legally marketed or distributed. This not only ensures the safety of customers, it also enhances the quality of products to make them more competitive in the local and global markets.
DTI usually gives the Bureau of Customs an updated list of products under MPCS.
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