The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reminds the public to buy only certified sanitary wares for their home construction or renovation amidst the ongoing summer sale of several home depots.

DTI through the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) regulates sanitary wares such as water closets, urinals, lavatories, and bidets, whether locally manufactured or imported, to ensure the quality of said products being sold in the local market. Consumers are advised to look for the Philippine Standard (PS) Quality Certification mark or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers when purchasing sanitary wares to guarantee that they are certified by DTI-BPS and underwent product inspection and testing.

With the unceasing lockdowns and quarantines brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, Filipinos are becoming more cautious in keeping their homes hygienic. Moreover, Filipinos have been doing home makeovers and renovations to improve the sanitation of their places. Imee, mid-thirties businesswoman who had her bathroom renovated in early March 2021, said that she only considered purchasing a good set of water closet and lavatory. “Basta kumpleto at malinis, ok na ‘yon,” said Imee. Meanwhile, MJ, 36, who had her house constructed in Mindoro last month, said that she merely considered the design and price of the water closet she asked her foreman to buy. She stated, “Porman na ang namahala. Basta ayos ang sukat at design tapos swak sa budget gawa kailangan na para sa matanda. Nahihirapan na [sa lumang style].” Responses from the consumers indicate that their preferences for sanitary wares are based on their need, product design, and budget.

While DTI-BPS recognizes that consumers’ preference varies greatly depending on their need and budget, the public is advised to avail sanitary wares with PS or ICC marks, at the very least, to ensure product quality and safety. In addition to these certification marks and in order to help them decide among the many options available in the market, consumers are encouraged to look for the following product information: registered trade name or brand name, duly registered trademark, address of the manufacturer or importer, country of manufacture (if imported), label if manufactured under license from a principal, grade of the product, and label for handicapped or juvenile. The model number or brand name is plainly and permanently marked at the bottom or unglazed portion of the sanitary wares.

The complete list of products under the mandatory certification may be accessed through the BPS Standards and Conformance Portal (www.bps.dti.gov.ph). For more updates and information on standards, technical regulations, and conformity assessment procedures (STRACAP), please visit our official website or email and message us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via our official Facebook page (facebook.com/PHstandards).

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