MANILA, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines is planning to implement a mandatory certification scheme for certain aluminum products to ensure compliance with quality and safety standards, local media reported.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is proposing a regulatory framework for aluminum products manufactured, imported or sold in the country, according to the Manila Bulletin on Wednesday.
The draft order covers wrought aluminum and aluminum alloy products, whether locally made or imported. Both local and foreign manufacturers would be required to obtain the Philippine Standard (PS) certification mark before selling or distributing their products.
"As the use of aluminum products expands, we must ensure that products in our market meet safety, quality, performance and reliability requirements," Margarita Magsaysay, DTI-Bureau of Philippine Standards assistant director, was quoted as saying.
The Philippines relies on imports for over 90 percent of its aluminum consumption, with annual import value over 600 million U.S. dollars in recent years, as the country has insufficient primary smelting and processing capabilities. ■