Price Tag

Q: What is the provision on Price Tag under R.A. 7394?

A. The provision on Price Tag, under R.A. 7394, requires that all consumer
products sold in retail to the public shall bear an appropriate price tag, label, or
marking indicating the price of the article. Such consumer products shall not be sold
at a price higher than that stated in the price tag.

Q: What is a price tag?

A: A price tag is a label attached to a commodity stating the price at which it is

offered for sale.

Q: Why is there a need for price tag?

A: To provide buyers with adequate information and guide to enable them to

compare quality and prices of goods, and patronize stores selling quality products at
low prices.

To discourage and minimize haggling which is a waste of time and energy of

both buyer and seller. To expedite transactions and enable both the buyer and seller
to use the time and energy for more productive endeavors.

Q: What are the characteristics of a Price Tag?

A: A price tag should:

 Be clearly written;
 State the price of the commodity per unit (piece, package, pair, dozen,
set, kilogram, meter, liter, etc.) in pesos and centavos, Philippine currency,
except when a law or regulation allows consumer products to be sold in
foreign currency as in the case of duty free shops; and
 Bear no erasures or alterations of any sort.

Q: When are erasures or alterations in price tag allowed?

A: Erasures or alterations are allowed only in price reduction sales

promotion campaigns.

Q: Is the use of codes in price tags allowed?

A: Generally, prices of consumer products and services shall not be written in

code. However, the following are the exceptions:

 If the codes are used in addition to price tags, labels, markings, or price lists
 If the codes are used in combination with shelf pricing which when scanned
will show the price. This exception shall be employed only by establishments
 which comply with the requirements under Department Administrative Order
No. 9, Series of 2002.

Q: What are the minimum terms of express warranty under the Consumer Act
that shall be given by a seller or manufacturer?

A: The following shall be stated in an express warranty :

 The terms of warranty, written in clear and readily understandable language;

 The warrantor’s identity;
 The party’s identity to whom the warranty is extended;
 The products or parts covered;
 The warrantor’s action plan in the event of a defect, malfunction or failure
to conform to the written warranty;
 The directive to the consumer to avail of the right which accrue to the
warranty;
 The period within which, after notice of defect, malfunction, or failure to
conform to the warranty, the warrantor will perform any obligation under the
warranty.

Q: What are the requirements for establishments intending to use codes

in combination with shelf pricing?

A: Establishments intending to use codes in combination with shelf pricing shall

be allowed to use such pricing system only upon meeting the following:

 The establishment should use itemized receipt or cash register tape

which states the description, size, quantity, and individual price of the
consumer goods purchased.
 Each establishment shall install at least one Price Verification Counter (PVC)
or similar electronic system strategically located in the establishment,
provided that in case the establishment structure is multi-storey, at least one
PVC shall be installed per storey.

Q: When is a price list allowed?

A: When a consumer product is too small or the nature of which makes it impractical
to place a tag thereon; and in case of consumer services.

Q: What are the documents to be presented to the seller or vendor in case

the consumer opts to have the defective product repaired, replaced, or
refunded under an express warranty?

A: The consumer should present a copy of the warranty card or documents and
the official receipt of the product sold or bought.

Q: Is a price tag required on samples or dummies on display?

A: Yes, samples or dummies of products offered for sale on retail when
displayed within the retail outlets shall also bear the prices of products which they
represent.

Q: Is price tag required for lumber?

A: Yes, in the case of lumber sold, displayed or offered for sale to the public, the
same shall be tagged or labeled indicating thereon the price and the corresponding
official name of the wood.
 PAB ACCREDITATION

: What are the benefits of accreditation?

A: ➣ For National Authorities and Regulators

Regulators can set policy requirements or detailed technical requirements and rely
on accredited laboratories, inspection bodies or certification bodies to check for
compliance. The use of accredited services can also moderate the need for
additional legislation, as well as reducing the risk of unintended consequences.
International accreditation arrangements provide regulators with a robust and
credible framework to accept accredited test results, inspection reports and
certifications from overseas, with an equivalent level of confidence as if they were
carried out in the local economy.

➣ For Business

Holding accredited conformity assessment results shows credible evidence of

conformance with national and international standards and regulations which can
differentiate a business from its competitors.

Accreditation is recognised internationally, it can open doors overseas equally as

well as those in the domestic market. Indeed, an increasing number of organisations
in both the public and private sectors in domestic markets and overseas are
specifying accredited testing, inspection or certification as a precondition to tendering
for contracts.

Accredited conformity assessment can also contribute to the operational efficiency of

businesses in other ways, saving time and money by reducing bureaucracy and by
helping with risk management and key aspects of decision-making. For instance, it
can be used as a basis on which to make efficient and informed choices about
domestic suppliers and promotes confidence in imports from other countries. It can
also demonstrate due diligence in the event of legal action.

➣ For Consumers

International accreditation agreements help increase the choice of goods and

services available on the market and help to ensure that these meet relevant
standards of quality and safety, whatever their country of origin.

(Source: ilac.org)

Q: What is the accreditation body in the Philippines?

A: The Philippine Accreditation Bureau (formerly Philippine Accreditation Office)

based on Executive Order 802 is the national accreditation body of the Philippines
and the central body to accredit inspection, testing and certifying bodies and other
bodies offering conformity assessment services. The PAB is recognized
internationally through its membership to the International Accreditation Forum (IAF),
International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), Pacific Accreditation
Cooperation (PAC), Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC), and
ASEAN Consultative Committee on Standards and Quality (ACCSQ) Working Group
on Accreditation and Conformity Assessment (WG2).

PAB is also a signatory to the Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) for

Quality Management System (QMS) and Environmental Management System (EMS)
of PAC and IAF and Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for testing and
calibration of APLAC and ILAC.

The Bureau promotes accreditation of CABs locally and internationally through

information campaign using various media; participation in local and international
marketing events; continuous compliance with MRA/MLA requirements; and
consultations and dialogues with stakeholders.

Q: What is Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA)?

A: A Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) is an international agreement that

promotes trust and builds confidence among accreditation bodies through their ability
to determine a laboratory’s competence to carry out testing or calibration. This MRA
forms a regional network of laboratories and inspection bodies accredited by
accreditation bodies that have been peer-evaluated and recognised as being
competent. This network facilitates the acceptance of test, calibration and inspection
reports in the region, thus contributing to the facilitation of trade and the free-trade
goal of "tested/inspected once, accepted everywhere". Under MRAs,
tests/inspections performed by laboratories accredited by a signatory country like
PAB are recognized and accepted by fellow signatory countries.

(Source: ilac.org and aplac.org)

Q: What is Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA)?

A: A Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) enhances the acceptance of goods

and services across national borders. Through the MLA, there is assurance of
mutual recognition of accredited certification between signatories to the MLA and the
subsequently acceptance of accredited certification in many markets based on one
accreditation. This recognition and acceptance removes technical barriers to trade
(TBT) by reducing redundant conformity assessment. Accreditations granted by MLA
signatories like PAB is recognized worldwide based on their equivalent accreditation
programs, reducing costs and adding value to business and consumers.

(Source: IAF FAQ)

Q: What are the accreditation schemes offered by PAB?

 Accreditation scheme for Management System of Certification Bodies

 Accreditation for Testing and Calibration Laboratories

- determines through assessment the technical competence of testing and
 calibration laboratories based on the requirements of PNS ISO/IEC 17025
and specific technical requirements relevant to a field of testing or calibration.
 Accreditation for Inspection Body
- determines through assessment the technical competence, independence
and impartiality of organisations that carry out specific inspection activities
based on the requirements of PNS ISO/IEC 17020.
 Accreditation for Medical Testing Laboratories
- determines through assessment the conformance to essential elements
based on PNS ISO 15189 of medical laboratories to demonstrate the quality
and competence of their services, as well as to consistently deliver technically
valid test or “examination” results as they are known in the standard.
 Quality Management System (QMS) This scheme evaluates the
technical competence, consistency and impartiality of certification
bodies providing PNS ISO 9001 certification based on the general
requirements of PNS ISO/IEC 17021-1, PNS ISO/IEC TS 17021-3 and
IAF Mandatory Documents.
 Environmental Management System (EMS). This scheme evaluates
the technical competence, consistency and impartiality of certification
bodies providing PNS ISO 14001 certification based on the general
requirements of PNS ISO/IEC 17021-1, PNS ISO/IEC TS 17021-2 and
IAF Mandatory Documents.
 Food Safety Management System. This scheme evaluates the
technical competence, consistency and impartiality of certification
bodies providing PNS ISO 22000 certification based on the general
requirements of PNS ISO/IEC 17021-1 and PNS ISO/ TS 22003.
 HACCP based Food management System. This scheme evaluates the
technical competence, consistency and impartiality of certification
bodies providing HACCP certification based on the general
requirements of PNS ISO/IEC 17021-1.
 Information Security Management System. This scheme evaluates the
technical competence, consistency and impartiality of certification
bodies providing PNS ISO/IEC 27001 certification based on the
general requirements of PNS ISO/IEC 17021-1 and PNS ISO/IEC
27006.
 Energy Management System. This scheme evaluates the technical
competence, consistency and impartiality of certification bodies
providing PNS ISO 50001 certification based on the general
requirements of PNS ISO/IEC 17021-1 and PNS ISO 50003.
 Accreditation Scheme for Product Certification
This scheme evaluates the technical competence, consistency and
impartiality of product certification bodies, based on the general requirements
of PNS ISO/IEC 17065, Applicable Certification Scheme Requirements and
IAF Guidance Documents.

Q: Who gets accredited?

A: Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs)

-organizations which undertake conformity assessment techniques and activities.
“Conformity assessment is the process for demonstrating that expectations about
products and services relating to features like quality, ecology, safety, economy,
reliability, compatibility, interoperability, efficiency and effectiveness meet the
requirements of standards, regulations and other specifications.”

Example of Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs)

Certification Bodies
Inspection Bodies
Testing Laboratories (including medical testing laboratories)
Calibration Laboratories
Q: How can we recognize Accredited Certificates, Test/Calibration/Inspection
Reports

A: Accredited Certificates, Test/Calibration/Inspection Reports can be recognized by

PAB Accreditation Symbol with corresponding accreditation number/s as shown
below:

Q: How to be accredited:

A: Step by step procedure is defined in the following link:

http://www.pabaccreditation.dti.gov.ph/public/pabbrochure.php

Q: What are the requirements for laboratory and inspection body accreditation?

A: Applications for accreditation may be made only by legally identifiable

organizations. A laboratory or inspection body applying for accreditation shall submit
the necessary accomplished forms and documents:

 LA/SF03 Application for Accreditation/Reaccreditation

 LA/SF05 Application for Signatory Approval
 LA/SF06 Assessors’ Briefing for Initial and Reassessment
 LA/SF27 Acceptance of Accreditation Condition
 LA/SF33 Assessment Checklist for PNS ISO/IEC 17025 (for testing and
calibration laboratory)
 LA/SF34 Assessment Checklist for PNS ISO/IEC 17020 (for inspection body)
 LA/SF35 Assessment Checklist PNS ISO 15189 (for medical testing
laboratory)
 Quality Manual and Procedures Manual
  Test Method/Calibration Method/Inspection Method (for In-House Methods)

For full details, please refer to LA/GD01 Accreditation Process.

Q: What are the requirements for management system accreditation?

A: A CB desiring to be accredited by PAB must submit the following documents

along with the prescribed Application Form (MSA/SF01 and MSA/SF01A Application
Form) signed by its representative:

 Accomplished Checklist of the Accreditation Criteria

 Copy of SEC Registration with the Articles of Incorporation or DTI Registration
or if in case of a foreign CB, duly notarized registration documents and
authenticated by Philippine Consulate, as proof of being a legal entity as the
case may be.
 A copy of its Quality Manual and relevant associated documents and records.
 Documented rules and procedures for Certification activities.
 Overview of the financial structure of the applicant body
 Information on fees charged to its applicants and certified suppliers, and the
means by which it obtains financial support.
 Clear definition of the scopes for which accreditation is being sought for.

For full details, please refer to MSA/P01 MSA-Quality Procedure - The Accreditation
Process.

Q: What are the fees needed for accreditation?

A:

 For Management System Accreditation

Application fee
(non-refundable, payable upon issuance P2,000.00
of application form)
Assessment fees
(include documentation review, initial
assessment, surveillance assessment, P5,000.00 per man-day
special assessment, reassessment,
witness audit)
Accreditation fee P10,000.00 per scope of
(payable upon issuance of certificate) accreditation
P5,000.00 per scope of
Annual Accreditation fee
accreditation
Additional Charges

1. Transportation, accommodation, and airport taxes expenses of PAB

assessment team shall be borne by the applicant or accredited
certifying body.
2. Payment for contracted members of the assessment team shall be
 paid by the certifying body based on billing statement issued by
PAB.
3. The PAB shall not refund any fee paid, if the application is not
approved, withdrawn or discontinued or if the Certificate of
Accreditation is suspended or cancelled.
4. Certifying Body shall be answerable for accidents that may occur
during the assessment, if it can be proven that faults or negligence is
contributed by them.

For full details, please refer to MSA/GD02 PAB MSA Schedule of Fees.

Application Fee P300.00

Assessment Fee
(including document review, follow-up visit, surveillance visits, reassessment, and special P500.00 p
assessments)
Accreditation Fee
P5,000 pe
(payable upon issuance of certificate)
Annual Accreditation Fee P3,000 pe
Additional chargesTransportation, accommodation and airport taxes expenses of PAB assessment tea
For full details, please refer to LA/GD20 PAB Schedule of Fees.
Price Tag