Cement importers on Thursday threw their support behind the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) campaign against the entry of substandard imported cement into the country.
In a news statement, Col. Dani Enriquez (Ret.), also the executive director of the Philippine Cement Importers Association (PCIA), stated that cement importers are one with the DTI in its drive to restrict the entrance of substandard cement in the country.
“We are categorically against importation of substandard cement. We do not want substandard cement coming in the country. It is not only bad for business, it is also bad for the infrastructure programs of President Duterte. That is why the PCIA strongly proposes that imported cement be tested at the port of loading or origin so that we know whether it is of good quality or not before it is shipped to the Philippines,” Enriquez said.
He added the PCIA had also issued its stand against substandard cement during a meeting with industry stakeholders and DTI officials earlier this month.
Under international rules, the country receiving the imported cement can either choose to test the product from its country of origin or when it arrives at the recipient country. The PCIA said the cement should be tested in the country of origin as proof that the imported cement is of quality.
“Although international rules allow the option to have cement tested here in the country, I prefer not to have them brought into the country until there is sufficient proof that the cement passed testing at the point of origin,” he added.
During the same consultation meeting, the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS), headed by Assistant Secretary Ernesto V. Perez, presented a draft department
administrative order (DAO) that proposes options in accordance with International Standards 17067.
The draft DAO contains a provision repealing DAO 17-05, with the latter being a cause of dispute in the sector as it allows chances for big players to monopolize the industry. DAO 17-5 requires pure-cement importers to obtain an Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) on top of the Product Safety mark, but exempts big cement manufacturers and importers from doing so.
“The BPS draft DAO is a welcome development. It is compliant with the key principles and obligations in the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade of the World Trade Organization [WTO],” he said
Enriquez added the PCIA is studying ways to extend assistance to the DTI in monitoring substandard cement products in the domestic market.
“Well, we have to wait until this new DAO, which repeals DAO17-05, is signed and approved by DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez. Until then, we have no choice but to comply with the rules,” Enriquez said.