The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has always emphasized that fireworks, firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices are dangerous and at times deadly.
To lessen the risk of untoward incidents, DTI encourages the public to choose the right brands and purchase only DTI-certified fireworks, DTI says.
DTI strongly advises the public to look for the Philippine Standard (PS) mark when purchasing fireworks and firecrackers to be assured of the products’ safety when used according to instructions.
Fireworks and firecrackers are under mandatory certification by the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) under the DTI.
Under the BPS Product Certification Scheme, manufacturers of fireworks are required to apply for the Philippine Standard (PS) license prior to distribution or sale of products.
In the absence of accredited testing laboratory, DTI-BPS conducts in-plant testing of fireworks to check its compliance with the said standard.
Only those manufacturers who comply with the requirements of the Philippine National Standard on fireworks are issued the PS license and are authorized to use the PS mark on their products.
With the same intentions against illegal and unsafe fireworks and firecrackers, the Philippine National Police (PNP) regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices as mandated in Republic Act 7183.
The Act also requires the manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers to secure a license or permit prior to sale and distribution of their products and prohibits the sale of imported firecrackers.
DTI reminds the public to not only search for the PS mark on the fireworks they buy but to also check the package for proper labels.
For more information, call DTI Direct at 751.3330 or visit the DTI-BPS website at http://bps.dti.gov.ph/
