DTI readies circular on cement labeling

The Department of Trade and Industry through the Bureau of Philippine Standards is set to issue a memorandum circular on supplemental guidelines on Department Administrative Order 17-06, Series of 2017, or “The New Rules and Regulations Concerning the Mandatory Certification of Portland Cement and Blended Hydraulic Cement with Pozzolan.”

The move follows the review of BPS’ policy on the manufacture and importation of cement products due to concerns raised by local manufacturers on imported cement products bagged in the country but were labeled as “Product of the Philippines.”

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez reiterated the importance of transparency and accuracy of the product markings for both locally manufactured and imported cement products.

“It is incumbent upon the importers and/or manufacturers to properly label their products and reflect the country where these products were produced. It will properly guide our consumers, especially at this time of pandemic where we encourage our countrymen to patronize locally produced products to support the economy,” Lopez said.

Lopez is promoting the “Buy Local, Go Lokal” campaign to prime up the local manufacturing industries amid the pandemic.