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Ceramic tiles relisted under DTI-BPS’ mandatory products

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The Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) has relisted ceramic tiles under the agency’s mandatory products for certification. The DTI Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 20-09, series of 2020 provides the technical regulation concerning the mandatory product certification of ceramic tiles manufactured through normal processes of extrusion and dry pressing, whether locally manufactured or imported. It was signed by DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez on 22 December 2020 and was published on 28 December 2020.

With the issuance of DAO No. 20-09, series of 2020, local manufacturers of ceramic tiles are now required to secure Philippine Standard (PS) Quality Certification Mark License prior to selling and distribution of their products. Meanwhile, importers shall secure either Statement of Confirmation (SOC) for PS certified ceramic tiles or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) for non-PS certified ceramic tiles on a per shipment per Bill of Lading/Airway Bill basis.

Ceramic tiles are widely used in the construction industry, particularly for flooring and wall systems, due to their durability, availability, and low cost. Their good resistance to abrasion and ability to withstand high foot-traffic density make them an advantageous finishing material in building establishments. Their water resistance is also very beneficial especially in tropical countries experiencing more rainstorms. Easy installation and replacement of ceramic tiles as well as their low maintenance makes them cost-effective, paving their way to most Filipino homes. Moreover, the pandemic brought by COVID-19 made people more cautious of the cleanliness of their homes which is why ceramic tiles are utilized in achieving a sanitary environment since they can be easily cleaned and disinfected.

To explain the regulation to manufacturers, importers, and other stakeholders, the DTI-BPS has conducted a public orientation on the new technical regulation for ceramic tiles on 15 January 2021. The orientation discussed the salient features of DAO No. 20-09, series of 2020. This was attended by private stakeholders and DTI’s regional and provincial offices. Questions from the participants were answered by panelists from the BPS’ Standards Conformity Division (SCD).

Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo encouraged the attendees to actively participate in the orientation to be able to voice out all their suggestions and queries. Assistant Secretary Ann Claire C. Cabochan assured that BPS will assist the stakeholders while also balancing business empowerment.

With the issuance of DAO No. 20-09, series of 2020, the following markings shall be present on the products’ box or packaging:

  • Correct and registered trade name or brand name
  • Duly registered trademark
  • Duly registered Business Name and address of importer and manufacturer (if imported) or duly registered Business Name and address of manufacturer (if locally manufactured)
  • Country of Origin
  • Nominal and Work Sizes, and "M" if modular
  • Water Absorption Range (shall be percentage values)
  • Method of Shaping (e.g. Extruded (A) or Dry-pressed (B))
  • Group and subgroup based on absorption range
  • Nature of Surface (e.g. glazed (GL) or unglazed (UGL))
  • Intended Use (e.g. floor tiles, wall tiles, or pool tiles)
  • Reference to the appropriate annex of the applicable standard (e.g. PNS ISO 13006:2019 Annex C)
  • Total Number of Tiles in the Package/Box
  • Lot / Batch Number
  • PS Mark with License Number (if applicable)

The presence of these markings shall be used for traceability and verification purposes of locally manufactured or imported ceramic tiles. These markings will also guide consumers in choosing only DTI-certified products.

BPS’ Director Neil P. Catajay aims to ensure the quality of ceramic tiles that will enter and will be distributed in the Philippine market. Director Catajay also stated that substandard products will be traced once enforcement activity starts. He also affirmed that BPS will continue to work proactively with manufacturers and importers to cater all concerns.

The DAO No. 20-09, series of 2020 and other issuances may be downloaded from the BPS Standards and Conformance portal, www.bps.dti.gov.ph. Direct link to BPS’ issuances can be accessed through https://bit.ly/BPSissuances.

For more updates and information on standards, technical regulations, and conformity assessment procedures (STRACAP), please visit the DTI – BPS portal: www.bps.dti.gov.ph. Emails and messages may also be sent to our official Facebook page “DTI Bureau of Philippine Standards” or through This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..