|
The Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) is a governmental agency under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It is the National Standards Body of the Philippines established by Republic Act No. 4109 (Philippine Standardization Law) and Executive Order No. 133.
As the National Standards Body, BPS is mandated to develop, implement, and coordinate standardization activities in the Philippines. It is primarily involved in standards development, product certification, and standards implementation/promotion to raise the quality and global competitiveness of Philippine products at the same time to protect the interests of consumers and businesses.
In order to develop reliable and market-driven standards in all sectors, the BPS focused its efforts on the implementation of the Philippine Standardization Strategy (PSS), a blueprint of the standardization activities of the country, which intends to help strengthen Philippine competitiveness abroad, build upon existing public/private partnership to further government use of standards and to address key quality of life issues such as safety, health and the environment.
Realizing the benefits of international standards to Philippine trade and industrial development, the BPS ensures that the Philippine National Standards (PNS) developed are at par with international standards. It has been actively participating in international and regional standardization activities so as to increase the competitiveness of Philippine products and services. The strategic linkages of BPS includes its membership to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and to regional bodies like the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, Sub-Committee on Standards and Conformance (APEC SCSC), and the ASEAN Consultative Committee for Standards and Quality (ACCSQ).
The BPS, through its Product Certification Scheme, makes sure that conformity in standards is strictly observed by the industry in providing safe and world-class products. Under the scheme, products that are covered by mandatory certification are subject to inspections and tests according to the requirements of a standard prior to selling and distribution. DTI issues the PS (Philippine Standard) License and the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) to manufacturers and importers, respectively, which have complied with the scheme.
Moreover, BPS acts as the Enquiry Point and Notification Authority relative to the implementation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). It notifies WTO of all proposed technical regulations, standards and conformity assessment procedures in the Philippines; provides stakeholders with copies of proposed standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures issued by WTO Members; receives comments on proposed standards/regulations; and responds to questions on standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment activities.
|
|
