In a serious effort to protect consumers from unregulated vehicles and related devices, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is considering stricter regulations for electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters), according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is considering stricter regulations for light electric vehicles (LEVs) such as e-bikes and scooters to protect consumers from unsafe and unregulated vehicles.
Under a draft department administrative order (DAO), the DTI is proposing a mandatory product certification scheme for LEVs and their batteries to ensure compliance with the country’s product standards.
The certification will be required for the importation, manufacturing, distribution, or sale of LEVs and their batteries in the country.
The DTI said the measure aims to protect consumers from hazards linked to electric shocks, electrical malfunctions, overheating, thermal incidents, fires, and other electrical safety risks that may arise from the use of these products.
“This technical regulation further aims to support the safe and reliable adoption of electric mobility technologies in the Philippines through the implementation of appropriate mandatory product certification requirements,” the DTI said.
The proposed regulation covers electric bicycles or e-bikes, including electrically powered assisted cycles and non-pedal-assist electric bicycles.
Also included are personal e-mobility devices such as electric-powered scooters, electrically propelled mopeds and motorcycles, and batteries for LEV applications.
The mandatory certification does not apply to charging stations, battery-swapping stations, stationary battery energy storage systems (BESS), and standalone motor controllers and electrical components.
Under the draft DAO, both local and foreign manufacturers of the covered LEVs and battery components are required to secure a Philippine Standard (PS) certification mark before selling or distributing their products in the country.
Importers without a PS license must obtain an import commodity clearance (ICC) on a per-shipment basis.
For verification purposes, the DTI will require specific markings on manufactured or imported products to ensure that they remain identifiable and compliant with product standards.
The DTI, through its Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS), will also regularly inspect and audit LEVs and their batteries as an additional oversight measure.
In cases of non-compliance with the proposed rules, BPS may issue a show-cause order or a cease-and-desist order (CDO) to prevent companies from supplying, distributing, or selling their products.
The draft DAO includes a 12-month transition period before the certification scheme becomes mandatory. Monitoring and enforcement of the regulation will begin 24 months after the order takes effect.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the DTI is correct with regards to considering restrictions for light electric vehicles?
You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.
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