Ceramic, tiles test lab opens

The testing lab was established in collaboration among the DTI and the Philippine Iron and Steel Institute and Ceramic Manufacturers Association Inc.

To ensure the quality of steel and ceramic tiles available in the market and to extend support to standards development in the industry, the Trade Department’s Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) of the Consumer Protection Group (CPG), on Wednesday, has launched its first Steel and Ceramic Tiles Testing Laboratory in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

During its launch, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the testing laboratory would aid the BPS and CPG to continue providing quality testing services to the public and sustain the mission to revive BPS testing capabilities and reacquire ISO/ IEC 17025 accreditation.

“As we inaugurate this Steel and Ceramic Tiles Testing Laboratory, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) would like to thank our legislators who’ve continually supported the goals of DTI: Senator Bong Go; House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Wes Gatchalian, who was also the Trade and Industry Committee chair; and the current House Trade and Industry Committee Chair Navotas Congressman John Rey Tiangco,” he added.

The testing lab was established in collaboration among the DTI and the Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI) and Ceramic Manufacturers Association Inc. (CMAI), highlighting the importance of the public and private sectors in working together to achieve the objective of ensuring standard compliance and consumer safety at all times.

Recovery booster

As part of the BPS Testing Laboratory (BPSTL), the steel and ceramic tiles testing facilities will support recovery efforts amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

“For one, as our industries rev up once more to boost our economic recovery, these facilities will strengthen our steel and ceramic tiles industries and ensure that only quality and standard-compliant construction steel products and ceramic tiles are made available in the local market. With greater testing capabilities, we should be able to minimize sub-standard products in the market,” Lopez emphasized.

Lopez noted that for this year, BPS is prioritizing the establishment of more testing facilities for construction materials in line with the “Build, Build, Build” program and ensuing countryside development, including steel, ceramic tiles, cement, hollow blocks and flat glass.

The BPS, under the DTI-CPG as the National Standards Body of the Philippines, contributed to the national economic and social development through standardization and conformity assessment activities pursuant to its mandate under Republic Act 4109.