DTI urges public to check safety marks on appliances.
As the Fire Prevention Month closed, the Bureau of Fire Protection recorded more than 7,000 fire incidents in 2025, with electrical issues identified as the leading cause of fire incidents nationwide.
This is why the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is urging consumers to check the Philippine Standard (PS) mark or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker when buying appliances and electronics, saying these certifications help ensure products meet safety standards and reduce fire risks at home.
The DTI-Bureau of Philippine Standards warned that unsafe appliances raise fire risks. It stressed that products with PS or ICC marks have passed required testing and inspections before reaching the market.
PS vs. ICC: What’s the difference?
As of March 2026, there are 1,698 active PS license holders across 113 product categories. Understanding the difference between these marks can save lives:
- The PS Mark: Found on locally manufactured or consistently high-volume products. It signifies that the factory itself has passed a rigorous DTI audit and that the production line meets Philippine National Standards (PNS).
- The ICC Sticker: Found on imported electronics. These are issued per shipment. Every batch of imported electric fans or refrigerators must undergo a random sampling and testing process before the holographic ICC sticker is applied.
The summer surge risk
The DTI-Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) warned that the risk peaks in April and May. As air conditioning units and electric fans run 24/7 to combat the 2026 heatwave, substandard extension cords—often the weakest link in a home’s electrical chain—are prone to overheating and melting.
“Buying an uncertified ₱150 extension cord might seem like a save,” one DTI inspector noted, “but it’s a ₱150 gamble against the value of your entire home.”
Authorities are urging citizens to perform a “Safety Audit” this week: check the cords of high-draw appliances like refrigerators and irons for the tell-tale holographic glint of a genuine ICC sticker.
Electrical issues are the #1 cause of fires in the PH. As 2026 temperatures rise, the DTI warns against uncertified appliances.
