DTI starts inspecting, putting ICC stickers in motorcycle helmets

By Carlo P. Gonzaga

Wednesday 1st of August 2012

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Aug. 1 (PIA) -- Motorcycle drivers in Calabarzon trooped to provincial and regional offices as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) started certifying motorcycle helmets without Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers yesterday.

The DTI Calabarzon regional office alone in Calamba has processed 64 applications on its second day.

Republic Act No. 10054 or the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009 mandates all motorcycle riders including back riders to wear standard protective motorcycle helmets while driving, whether long or short drives, in any type of road and highway.

Noncompliance with the law is punishable by a fine or cancellation of the driver's license or both.

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) through the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is mandated for the implementation of the law while the DTI, through its Bureau of Product Standards (BPS), is mandated for the certification of standard protective motorcycle helmets.

DTI offices in Calabarzon attach ICC stickers to pre-sold, uncertified helmets prior to the implementation of the law, provided such helmets comply with the specifications of the Philippine National Standard for Protective Helmets (PNS UN ECE Reg. 22:2007) and the PS Certification Mark (PS Mark) scheme. (Charlie S. Dajao-DTI Calabarzon/CPG-PIA4A)