The DTI is the Philippines' primary consumer protection agency. It handles complaints about defective products, misleading advertising, unfair trade practices, and price manipulation. Filing is free and can be done at any DTI office.
The Department of Trade and Industry administers and enforces the Consumer Act of the Philippines (RA 7394) and related consumer protection laws. For consumers, the DTI's Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) is the key unit. The DTI handles complaints about: **Product quality and safety**: Defective goods, products that do not conform to advertised standards, and unsafe products. **Misleading advertising**: False or deceptive price tags, misleading claims, and bait-and-switch tactics. **Unfair trade practices**: Refusing to honour warranties, no-refund policies (which are illegal for defective goods), and price manipulation. **Labelling violations**: Products without required information (ingredients, expiry date, net weight, manufacturer details). To file a complaint: visit any DTI provincial or regional office, or file online at dti.gov.ph. Bring your receipt, the product (or photos), and any correspondence with the seller. The DTI will mediate between you and the seller; if unresolved, it can hold adjudication proceedings and impose fines. The DTI also runs the Price Act enforcement (preventing artificial price increases during calamities) and regulates the business names registry.
A consumer buys a washing machine advertised as new but finds it is refurbished. The seller refuses a refund. She files a complaint at the DTI. The DTI mediates and orders the seller to provide a full refund or a genuine new unit, and imposes a fine for misrepresentation.
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