The Bureau of Philippine Standards under the Department of Trade and industry (DTI) adopted a new set of product certification in June, which requires compliance within 24 months.
The BPS issued Department Administrative Order (DAO) no. 22-02 prescribing the use of the new Philippine National Standards (PNS), with effect from 12 June 2022.
The DTI said- “DAO 22-01:2022 prescribes the adoption of the latest versions of the reference standards used or entirely new standards to be used in the BPS Mandatory Product Certification Schemes such as but not limited to PNS ISO 9001, all accreditation standards, and all relevant and specific standards of the products covered under the BPS mandatory certification.”
“The continual updating of reference standards used for the BPS certification process and its regulated products guarantees enhanced industry competitiveness and better consumer protection as latest developments in product technologies, materials, and/or test methods are incorporated in the measures to ensure relevance and suitability,” BPD Director Neil P. Catajay said.
As per DTI, It has granted 24 months adjustment period to the manufacturers to meet the new requirements.
The DTI said “For products under the BPS mandatory product certification schemes with an existing latest PNS version promulgated prior to the effectivity of this DAO, the same shall be implemented as the new reference standard under the same timeline.”
The DTI further added that it will publish a DAO or memorandum circular highlighting the requirements and the procedure for product testing and product sampling.
The DTI stated that- “As to Philippine Standard (PS) Licensing, a new PS applicant or an existing PS license holder may voluntarily apply using the latest version or new reference standard earlier than the 24 months’ mandatory implementation, subject to the existing certification procedures.”
The BPS is also planning to examine its testing laboratories as per the updated reference standards within 24 months and preparing to implement the new technical regulations.
The DTI said “In the absence of a BPS-recognized testing laboratory in the country, the PS License or import commodity clearance applicants shall nominate a third-party testing laboratory at the country of origin or other locations accredited by an accreditation body signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation or Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation – Mutual Recognition Arrangements.”
Original source link – https://www.bworldonline.com/economy/2022/08/09/467215/new-product-certification-standards-issued-for-manufacturers/