Government’s Intensified Enforcement Efforts Prevent Over P150 Million Worth of Substandard Products from Flooding the Market

Government’s Crackdown on Substandard Products Saves Consumers Millions

The government’s efforts to crack down on substandard products have proven successful, with over P150 million worth of illegal goods seized to protect Filipino consumers. The Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) reported that the formation of a task force targeting substandard products and illegal vapes has led to significant economic gains.

Task Force Kalasag, established in March 2024, has been instrumental in confiscating more than P150 million worth of substandard products, including illegal vapes. The task force conducted 12 enforcement rounds and inspected 1,804 stores to ensure compliance with technical and legal regulations affecting critical consumer commodities.

The FTEB highlighted the impact of these enforcement efforts, stating that the investment in heightened enforcement has paid off. By removing uncertified and dangerous consumer products from the market, the government has increased consumer protection and awareness while preventing economic losses from health- and safety-related hazards.

Overall, the FTEB confiscated 423,077 products valued at P151.56 million, with a significant portion violating technical regulations and the Vape Law. The task force’s largest seizure was valued at P24.86 million in Parañaque City, demonstrating the scale of the operation.

In addition to physical inspections, the FTEB’s online monitoring team inspected 94,739 online firms, issuing show-cause orders and flagging violative product listings. The team removed thousands of flagged links or URLs, mostly on social media platforms like Facebook, to prevent the sale of illegal products online.

The FTEB’s efforts have been supported by various government agencies, including the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, and Department of Health, as well as civil society groups. By working together, these organizations are able to effectively combat the spread of substandard products and protect consumers from harm.