Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has formulated new technical standards for flat steel manufactures and consumers. Domestic and foreign flat steel suppliers are required to get valid Philippine Standard (PS) licenses before selling, distributing or using specified products in the country.
The new standards are applicable on imports of hot-dip galvanized and pre-painted galvanized coils and sheets, effective Jan 13. Importers are obliged to source from foreign producers with PS Safety Certification Mark License. This move would ensure competitiveness in the country’s steel sector and ensure a better quality of steel products for end-users. Local steel mills are likely to benefit, expressed industry sources.
Earlier on Dec 28, the DTI issued an order mandating domestic manufacturers of hot-dip galvanized and pre-painted steel coils and sheets to obtain the PS Safety Certification Mark License. To prevent supply disruptions during the upgradation process, the importers for shipments booked before Jan 13 could apply for customs clearance.
Flat steel products used for roofing and general applications are subjected to new rules while, coated and pre-painted flats used for manufacturing of automotive products, appliances, furniture, and electrical and electronics, as well as HR strips for pipes and tubes, are not subject to new standards, according to DTI statement.
China is the largest supplier of flat products to the Philippines with over 70pc market share and annual exports of around 2mn mt, followed by Japan with exports of 0.5mn mt and 15pc share and Taiwan with 10pc share and exports of 0.25-0.3mn mt flat steel.