Steel makers seek DTI review on import clearance

Steel manufacturers have asked Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez to review the agency’s policy on the grant of import commodity clearance ( ICC) on products with mandatory standards such as steel angle bars.

The Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI) and the Steel, Angles, Shapes and Sections Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (SASSMAPI) are seeking the assistance of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) following reports of questionable issuance of ICC to some steel shipments in the last few months.

According to the steel makers, their previous warnings to the DTI have been “unheeded,” resulting in the presence of substandard steel angle bars in the market which endangers public safety.

Manufacturers and-importers of steel bars will be held liable if found selling imported products without ICC or in violation of labeling and weight requirements.

“The industry association requests that DTI-Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) strictly enforce proper testing and adequate sampling on products with mandatory standards such as steel angle bars to ensure the safety of the general public. Strict penalties should be imposed to manufacturers and importers who fail to satisfy these standards,” SASSMAPI said.

Aside from strictly enforcing proper testing and adequate sampling, the local steel industry also urges Lopez to allow its members to witness the sampling of succeeding shipments.

“With our technical knowledge and DTI- BPS’ enforcement, repeat violators would be deterred from bringing in non- conforming steel angle bars,” SASSMAPI said.

“We believe a strong and transparent partnership between the association and DTI in enforcing proper sampling and testing procedures for all shipments is the key to ensure that DTI-BPS’ mandate is not abused by greedy businessmen for their own profits and that public safety is upheld,” it added.