The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Wednesday reminded retailers not to sell uncertified car seats now that the demand for them has increased due to the implementation of the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act.
Under the implementing rules and regulations of such law, it is necessary to secure a certificate of the manufacturers, importers, distributors, and sellers of the child restraint system from the DTI.
“‘Yong retailers natin are advised that they cannot sell uncertified products,” said Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo.
According to Castelo, the certification of car seats is still being processed to give them a PS Mark or ICC sticker, which is set by law.
So far, only one importer has been given DTI certification while others are still processing.
“We have to encourage the importers to bring in more (child car seats), pati retailers natin. They can talk to their suppliers to bring in more to make sure that we have sufficient supply but syempre kailangan pa rin i-certify parin ito,” said Castelo.
“We can certify the foreign manufacturer. Sila mismo ang maga-apply ng PS license or the product itself bago nila ipasok dito may certification sila for import commodity clearance,” she added.
DTI reminds retailers not to sell uncertified car seats
Despite some customers buying car seats, Castelo said: “We recognize international certifications if manufacturers abroad have standards.”
“Mayroon naman tayong means to verify it kasi nasa international certification website ‘yan,” she said.
It should fit snugly when placed in the vehicle and the child will be secure in it.
According to the DTI, parents should also make sure the car seat is sturdy.
So far, car seats have not been suggested a retail price because the DTI still needs to study whether it can be considered a “prime commodity.”
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced on Tuesday that they will delay the full implementation of the Child Car Seat Law or the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Currently, the LTO [Land Transportation Office] is in the process of finalizing enforcement protocols, considering that special training is needed due the involvement of children,” read the statement.