cHI 
OEPARTMENT OF 
TRADE & INDUSTRY 
PHILIPPINES 
DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 17-0 2 
Series of 2017 
Subject: NEW GUIDELINES FOR MANDATORY CERTIFICATION OF PORTLAND 
CEMENT AND BLENDED HYDRAULIC CEMENT WITH POZZOLAN 
COVERED BY PNS 07:2005 AND PNS 63:2006 RESPECTIVELY 
Pursuant to the Philippine Constitution, Section 9, Article XVI, Republic Act (R.A.) No.4109, 
R.A. No. 7394, Executive Order (E.O.) No. 101, Series of 1967, EO No. 913, Series of 1983, 
EO No. 292, Administrative Code of 1987, Sec 10 (4), Title X, Book IV, Department 
Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2, Series of 2007, DAO No. 4, Series of 2008, DAO No. 5, 
Series of 2008, DAO 15-01, Series of 2015, the following guidelines shall be implemented: 
1 SCOPE 
This implementing guidelines shall cover the mandatory certification of the following: 
1.1 portland cement covered by PNS 07:2005- Portland Cement- Specification 
1.2 blended hydraulic cement with pozzolan covered by PNS 63:2006- Blended Hydraulic 
Cement with Pozzolan -Specification 
2 DEFINITION OF TERMS 
For purposes of this guidelines, the following definition of terms shall apply in addition to those 
provided for by DTI's DAO 2:2007, DAO 4:2008 and DAO 5:2008: 
2.1 Composite Sample - A sample representative of the cement lot produced during a 
certain period of time which is a product of combination or mixing two (2) or more grab 
samples. 
2.2 Blending - A process in which two or more ingredients are combined into an intimate 
and uniform product of finely divided dry material, as by inter-grinding or mixing, or both. 
2.1 BOC -Bureau of Customs of the Department of Finance 
2.2 BPS -Bureau of Philippine Standards of the Department of Trade and Industry 
2.3 BPS Recognized Testing Laboratory and/or Inspection Body - a body accredited 
under ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 17020 or its future amendment/s by the PAB or by an 
accreditation body that is a signatory to regionaVinternational agreements entered into 
by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines through DTI (i.e. APLAC, ILAC), 
and any other testing laboratory duly recognized by BPS (i.e. under Mutual Recognition 
Agreements with ASEAN, APEC. 
Page 1 of9 
NEW GUIDELINES FOR MANDATORY CERTIFICATION OF PORTLAND 
CEMENT AND BLENDED HYDRAULIC CEMENT WITH POZZOLAN COVERED rf 
BY PNS 07:2005 AND PNS 63:2006 RESPECTIVELY 
Enabling Business, Empowering Consumers \r 
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 
5/F Floor, Industry and Investments Building, 385 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City 1200 
Telephone: (632) 899-7450 • Telefax: (632) 896-1166 • E-mail: secretary@dti.gov.ph 
www.dti.gov.ph i i. 2.4 DAO 2:2007 -Department Administrative Order No. 2, series of 2007 -Defining the 
responsibilities and liabilities of manufacturers, importers, traders, wholesalers, 
distributors, retailers, service providers and or their agents, with regard to 
products/services covered by Philippine Standard Certification Mark Schemes and 
prescribing for violation thereof. 
2.5 DAO 4:2008 -Department Administrative Order No. 4, series of 2008 -The new rules 
and regulations concerning the Philippine Standard (PS) Quality and/or Safety 
Certification Mark Scheme of the BPS. 
2.6 OAO 5:2008 -Department Administrative Order No. 5, series of 2008 -The new rules 
and regulations concerning the issuance of Import Commodity Clearance under the 
Product Certification Mark Scheme of the BPS. 
2.7 DAO 15-01:2015 -Department Administrative Order No. 15-01, series of 2015 -
Measures to facilitate the issuance of Import Commodity Clearance 
2.8 DTI -Department of Trade and Industry 
2.9 Exporter/Shipper -consignor, exporter or seller (who may be the same or different 
parties) named in the shipping documents as a party responsible for initiating the 
shipment. 
2.10 Formal Charge - a written statement of ultimate facts, signed and sworn to by the duly 
authorized officer or representative of the initiating office or agency, filed by any office or 
agency of the DTI, charging any person (natural or juridical) with any violation of the 
Consumer Act, or any Trade and Industry Law, or the Price Act and its IRR. 
2.11 FTEB -Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau of the Department of Trade and Industry. 
2.121ntegrated Cement Plant -an integrated facility that prepares the raw mix, feeds it to 
the pyre-processing system (kiln) to produce clinker, and then grinds the clinker from the 
kiln system into various cement products using cement mill(s). 
2.13 Lot No. /Batch No. -is an identification number permanently marked on the cement 
bag. This is used to identify production runs of any other product for quality control 
purposes. It is sometimes referred to as batch number. 
2.14 Grab Sample -a sample drawn at random from a conveyor, silo, production line, bulk 
shipment or warehouse. 
2.15 Trade mark -any registered visible signs capable of distinguishing goods or products. 
2.16 Trade name -any registered name or designation identifying or distinguishing an 
enterprise 
2.17 Portland cement -cement that is manufactured from limestone and clay and that 
hardens under water. 
NEW GUIDELINES FOR MANDATORY CERTIFICATION OF PORTLAND 
CEMENT AND BLENDED HYDRAULIC CEMENT WITH POZZOLAN COVERED 
BY PNS 07:2005 AND PNS 63:2006 RESPECTIVELY Page 2 of9 2.18 Blended hydraulic cement with Pozzolan -are produced by blending two or more 
types of cementitious materials. 
2.19 Seller -any wholesaler, retailer, distributor, trader etc. engaged in the sale of Portland 
and blended hydraulic cement with pozzolan. 
2.20 Show Cause Order -a directive issued by OTI-BPS requiring an applicant/License 
Holder/ICC Holder to explain in writing why a certain course of action should not be taken 
against it. If the applicant/License Holder/ICC Holder cannot convince DTI-BPS or fails to 
submit a written explanation within the period prescribed, that course of action is taken. 
2.21 Silo -a structure used for storing cement in bulk. 
2.22 Test Sample- a product randomly drawn from the lot or batch. 
2.23 Warehouse -is a secured and covered premises built purposely for storage of 
products/goods. 
3 AUTHORITIES AND RESPONSIBILITES OF THE DTI 
3.1 For purposes of this implementing guideline, the BPS shall perform the following: 
3.1.1 Conduct the final evaluation of all factory and product assessment reports, test 
reports and other relevant documents submitted/issued by the DTI Regional/ 
Provincial Offices (OTI-RO/PO) and/or BPS Recognized 
Auditing/1 nspection/T esting Bodies. 
3.1.2 Receive and process applications for PS license/certificate and ICC. 
3.1.3 Approve/deny the application for license/certificate and if approved, issue the 
license/certificate, or recall/withdraw said issued license/certificate depending on 
the result of the evaluation of factory and product assessment, product testing 
and compliance or non-compliance with the requirements of DAO 4:2008, OAO 
5:2008, DAO 15-01:2015 and other rules and regulations. 
3.1.4 Recall/withdraw, cancel/revoke certificates of exemption issued by DTI-RO/PO. 
3.1.5 Advise the PS licensees/ICC applicants of the following: 
3.1.5.1 Any changes in the standards, BPS forms, procedures, requirements; 
3.1.5.2 Result of assessment/evaluation/inspection/testing, etc.; and 
3.1.5.3Any other actions related to the application or license/certificate. 
3.1.6 Coordinate with the OTI-RO/PO, FTEB and the Legal Service in identifying and 
implementing appropriate legal action against manufacturers and importers 
violating the above-stated laws, rules and regulations, department administrative 
orders, this implementing guidelines, the requirements of the specific standard, 
and its implementing memoranda and circulars. 
NEW GUIDELINES FOR MANDATORY CERTIFICATION OF PORTLAND 
CEMENT AND BLENDED HYDRAULIC CEMENT WITH POZZOLAN COVERED 
BY PNS 07:2005 AND PNS 63:2006 RESPECTIVELY Page 3 of9 3.2 For purposes of this implementing guidelines, the DTI-RO/PO shall perform the 
following: 
3.2.1 Receive and/or process applications for PS license/ICC certificate subject to 
evaluation by BPS; 
3.2.2 Receive and process applications for exemption and issue the appropriate 
certificate; 
3.2.3 Conduct factory and product assessment together with BPS; 
3.2.4 Conduct product verification, inspection and sampling and submit report 
thereafter to BPS; 
3.2.5 Conduct market monitoring and enforcement of standards and submit report 
thereafter to BPS; and 
3.2.6 Take appropriate legal action against violators thru the issuance of Show Cause 
Order or filing of Formal Charge. 
4 APPLICATION FOR PS MARK OR ICC 
For safety, traceability and accountability purposes, only cement sourced from foreign cement 
manufacturing plant(s} holding a valid Philippine Standard (PS} Quality and/or Safety 
Certification Mark License(s} shall be permitted to be imported into the Philippines. 
An ICC shall be required for all cement importations except those imported by cement 
manufacturers with an operating Integrated Cement Plant(s} in the Philippines. For these 
manufacturers, they must use the same brand name/s as reflected in their local PS license 
certificate which will be subject to sampling as specified in Section 5.2.4 and tested accordingly. 
Manufacturers/importers shall apply for the Philippine Standard (PS) Quality and/or Safety 
Certification Mark License/ICC to BPS or through the nearest DTI Regional or Provincial office. 
Requirements, procedures and processing of Philippine Standard (PS} Quality and/or Safety 
Certification Mark License/ICC application are governed by existing applicable DTI Rules and 
Regulations. 
4.1 Philippine Standard {PS) Quality and/or Safety Certification Mark License 
The application for Philippine Standard (PS} Quality and/or Safety Certification Mark License 
shall be processed in accordance with the following: 
4.1.1 The application form shall be filed by a business entity (partnership/corporation) 
duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 
4.1.2 If the applicant is a foreign-based manufacturer, for purposes of accountability, 
the application shall be filed by its local branch duly registered in accordance with 
Philippine laws. 
4.2 Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) 
NEW GUIDELINES FOR MANDATORY CERTIFICATION OF PORTLAND 
CEMENT AND BLENDED HYDRAULIC CEMENT WITH POZZOLAN COVERED 
BY PNS 07:2005 AND PNS 63:2006 RESPECTIVELY Page4of9 .. ' . 
The application for ICC shall be processed in accordance with the following: 
4.2.1 All cement importers must be duly registered with SEC or DTI prior to receiving 
cement import shipments at the port of entry and have a minimum paid in 
capitalization of Philippine Pesos Twenty Million (PhP 20 M). 
4.2.2 Only importers duly authorized by the PS license holder shall apply for ICC on a 
per shipment per bill of lading basis to BPS or through the nearest DTI-RO/PO. 
4.2.3 A surety bond shall be posted on a per application basis equivalent to Ten 
percent (1 0%) of the declared value of imported cement in Philippine Peso. 
5 SAMPLING 
5.1 All PS license holders shall on a regular basis inform the BPS or the DTI-RO/PO of their 
production to facilitate drawing of product samples. Sampling shall be conducted at least 
once a year on a per type, per brand basis either at the production, warehouse area, or at 
the point of sale. 
5.2 For PS applications, a duly authorized representative from BPS/DTI-RO/PO/BPS 
Recognized Auditing Body shall draw three (3) sets of samples of cement per type, per 
brand name at 20 kg per set. 
5.2.1 The first set shall be used for in-plant testing to include chemical and physical 
tests (at least 3 days compressive strength) during the conduct of audit in accordance 
with DAO 4:2008. 
5.2.2 If the result of the in-plant testing shows conformity to the requirement of 
applicable PNS, the two sets of samples shall be sent for independent testing directly to 
the BPS recognized testing laboratory by the BPS/DTI-RO/PO/BPS Recognized Auditing 
Body representative within three (3) days from the date of inspection. The said 
laboratory shall issue acknowledgment receipt of test samples. 
5.2.3 For foreign-based PS License Holders/Applicants, samples drawn shall be 
shipped directly to the BPS recognized testing laboratory with due notice to BPS within 
three (3) days from the date of inspection/audit. 
5.2.4 If the result of the in-plant testing shows non-conformity to the requirement of 
applicable PNS, new samples shall be drawn (after corrective measures are undertaken) 
and tested until it conforms to the requirements of applicable PNS. 
5.3 For ICC applications, sampling shall be conducted on a per shipment, per Bill of Lading, 
per type, per brand name basis. 
5.3.1 A duly authorized representative from BPS/DTI-RO/PO/BPS Recognized 
Inspection Body shall draw two (2) sets of samples of cement at 20 kg per set. Two (2) 
sets shall be sent directly to the BPS recognized testing laboratory by the BPS/DTI­
RO/PO/BPS Recognized Auditing Body representative within three {3) days from the 
date of inspection. The said laboratory shall issue acknowledgement of receipt of test 
NEW GUIDELINES FOR MANDATORY CERTIFICATION OF PORTLAND 
CEMENT AND BLENDED HYDRAULIC CEMENT WITH POZZOLAN COVERED 
BY PNS 07:2005 AND PNS 63:2006 RESPECTIVELY Page 5 of9 samples. The first set shall be subject for independent testing and the other set will be 
kept by the testing laboratory for re-testing or future reference purposes. 
5.3.2 Test sample/s shall be drawn in the Philippines either from the port of entry area, 
importer's declared warehouse, or silo. 
5.4 All cement products imported by manufacturers with an operating Integrated Cement 
PlanUs (ICP) in the Philippines where no ICC is required, shall apply for exemption per 
shipment per Bill of lading basis on or before the arrival of the shipment. 
5.4.1 It shall be subject to random sampling at the point of sale in the Philippines, to be 
carried out by BPS/DTI-RO/PO/BPS Recognized Inspection Body by drawing two (2) 
sets of samples of cement per type, per brand name at 20 kg per set. 
5.4.2 Two (2) sets shall be sent directly to the BPS recognized testing laboratory by 
the BPS/DTI-RO/POIBPS Recognized Inspection Body representative within three (3) 
days from the date of inspection. The said laboratory shall issue acknowledgment of 
receipt of test samples. The first set shall be subject for independent testing and the 
other set will be kept by the testing laboratory for re-testing or future reference purposes. 
5.5 The BPS/DTI-RO/PO/BPS authorized inspector or auditor shall ensure that the drawn 
samples shall be traceable to the particular loUbatch where it was drawn. 
5.6 Test samples drawn shall be packed/sealed and signed in the presence of a BPS/DTI­
RO/PO/BPS authorized representative or BPS designated auditor/inspector. The BPS/DTI­
RO/PO/BPS authorized representative or BPS designated auditor/inspector shall ensure 
that Request for Test form is properly filled-up, signed and issued to the manufacturer or 
importer properly received by the BPS Recognized Testing Laboratory. 
6 INDEPENDENT TESTING 
6.1 All samples drawn shall be tested by a BPS recognized testing laboratory in accordance 
with the requirements and test methods prescribed in the applicable PNS, to wit: 
6.1.1 Testing shall be conducted on a per type per brand name basis. 
6.1.2 All test results shall be held strictly confidential by the BPS designated/recognized 
testing laboratory concerned. Copies of test report furnished to the 
manufacturers/importers are for product certification purposes only. This 
provision is subject to existing laws/rules governing freedom of information. 
7 EVALUATION OF TEST RESULTS AND CERTIFICATION DECISION 
7.1 For PS, if in the determination of the BPS, the samples drawn showed conformity to the 
requirements of the PNS, the PS license shall be issued/renewed/allowed continued use. 
7.2 For PS, if in the determination of the BPS, the samples drawn under 5.2.4 failed to 
conform to the requirements of the standard, the PS License Holders/Applicants will be 
advised by the BPS to undertake remedial measures subject to the following: 
NEW GUIDELINES FOR MANDATORY CERTIFICATION OF PORTLAND 
CEMENT AND BLENDED HYDRAULIC CEMENT WITH POZZOLAN COVERED 
BY PNS 07:2005 AND PNS 63:2006 RESPECTIVELY Page 6 of9 7.2.1 For new PS Applications and Recertification, processing thereof shall be 
suspended pending undertaking of remedial measures. Only after reassessment 
and subsequent product compliance shall BPS issue/renew the PS license. 
7.2.2 For existing PS License Holders, the use of the PS license is suspended. Only 
after reassessment and subsequent product compliance shall BPS allow 
continued use of the PS license. 
7.3 For ICC, if in the determination of the BPS, the test samples showed conformity to the 
requirements of the PNS, ICC certificate shall be issued. 
7.4 For ICC, if in the determination of the BPS, the test samples showed non-conformity to 
the requirements of the PNS, the application shall be denied and the non-conforming 
products shall be disposed of according to existing rules and regulations. 
8 DISPOSITION OF SAMPLES 
8.1 All remaining samples for monitoring and testing purposes shall be returned to the 
manufacturer/importer provided there are no negative findings found. 
8.2 Samples which failed to comply with the requirements of the standards shall be stored at 
the concerned testing laboratory for future reference until final certification decision is 
rendered. 
8.3 BPS and the testing laboratory shall not be liable for whatever damage/s sustained by 
the test samples during transport and testing. The manufacturer/importer shall have one (1) 
month from receipt of notice of disposal of test samples, within which to arrange for the 
schedule and pick up of samples from the concerned testing laboratory. After said period, 
the testing laboratory shall, with due notice to BPS, dispose the samples in a manner 
deemed appropriate in accordance with existing accounting and auditing rules. 
9 RESPONSIBILITES OF THE PS LICENSEES AND ICC HOLDERS 
9.1 The PS licensee shall abide by the Terms and Conditions of the PS license, this 
implementing guidelines, existing applicable DTI Rules and Regulations. Any violation by 
the licensee or its exporter, importer, shipper or any of its agents shall result in legal action 
against the licensee. 
9.2 The ICC Holder or any of its agents shall abide by the Terms and Conditions of the ICC, 
this implementing guidelines, existing applicable DTI Rules and Regulations. Any violation 
by the importer or any of its agents shall constitute forfeiture of the surety bond without 
prejudice to the filing of legal action against the importer. 
10 REQUIRED MARKINGS 
For traceability and verification purposes, the imported and/or manufactured product subject of 
the application shall contain the following markings: 
NEW GUIDELINES FOR MANDATORY CERTIFICATION OF PORTLAND 
CEMENT AND BLENDED HYDRAULIC CEMENT WITH POZZOLAN COVERED 
BY PNS 07:2005 AND PNS 63:2006 RESPECTIVELY 
H Page 7 of9 10.1 For Portland cement: 
1 0.1.1 Name and address of manufacturer 
10.1.2 Name and address of importer, if applicable 
1 0.1.3 Country of Origin 
10.1.4 Type of Portland cement 
10.1.5 Trade name or brand name 
10.1.6 Trademark 
1 0.1. 7 Net mass of cement in kg 
10.1.8 PS mark 
1 0.1.9 Batch identification number and manufacturing date intelligible to the 
consumers 
10.1.10 Red color band with dimensions prescribed by PNS 07 
10.2 For Blended hydraulic cement with Pozzolan: 
Name and address of manufacturer 
Name and address of importer, if applicable 
Country of Origin 10.2.1 
10.2.2 
10.2.3 
10.2.4 
10.2.5 
10.2.6 
10.2.7 
10.2.8 
10.2.9 
10.2.10 Product classification, specification and application prescribed by PNS 63 
Trade name or brand name 
Trademark 
Net mass of cement in kg 
PS mark 
Batch identification and manufacturing date intelligible to the consumer 
Bright yellow color band with dimensions as required by applicable PNS 
11 PROHIBITED ACTS 
The prohibited acts are stipulated in DAO 02:2007, DAO 04:2008, and OAO 05:2008. 
12 MONITORING AND MARKET SURVEILLANCE 
Monitoring and market surveillance shall be in accordance with existing applicable DTI Rules 
and Regulations. 
13 PENAL TIES 
Any violation of this Order shall be subject to the administrative actions and penalties as 
provided for by the applicable DTI Rules and Regulations or Orders. 
Furthermore, the BPS may blacklist any manufacturer/importer whose products repeatedly 
failed to comply with existing rules and regulations. 
14 TRANSITORY PROVISION 
14.1 PS Licenses (local and foreign) issued under DAO 4:2008, prior to the effectivity of 
this DAO shall remain valid until the date of expiration thereof unless sooner revoked and 
NEW GUIDELINES FOR MANDATORY CERTIFICATION OF PORTLAND 
CEMENT AND BLENDED HYDRAULIC CEMENT WITH POZZOLAN COVERED 
BY PNS 07:2005 AND PNS 63:2006 RESPECTIVELY Page 8 of9 l ' .. 
subject to the same terms and condition stated therein. 
14.2 PS applications received (local and foreign) prior to the effectivity of this DAO shall be 
processed in accordance with DAO 4:2008. 
15 OVERRIDE POWER OF THE DTI SECRETARY 
The Secretary, under Section 4 of RA 4109, (AN ACT TO CONVERT THE DIVISION OF 
STANDARDS UNDER THE BUREAU OF COMMERCE INTO A BUREAU OF STANDARDS, 
TO PROVIDE FOR THE STANDARDIZATION AND/OR INSPECTION OF PRODUCTS AND 
IMPORTS OF THE PHILIPPINES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES), in the exercise of his 
general supervision and control powers over the BPS Director, may overrule, set aside, or 
override any issuance, certification or finding, if in his/her better judgement, will promote 
consumer interest or protection. 
16 SEPARABILITY CLAUSE 
Should any provision of this Order or any part thereof be declared invalid, the other provisions, 
so far as they are separable from the invalid ones, shall remain in force and effect. 
17 REPEALING CLAUSE 
Provisions of DTI Rules and Regulations that are inconsistent herewith shall be considered 
repealed/amended. 
18 EFFEC1"1VITY 
This Order shall take effect immediately seven (7) days after its publication in a national 
newspaper of general circulation. 
17th March 
Done in the City of Makati this_ day of_ in the year 2017. 
ASCUA 
Approved by: 
NEW GUIDELINES FOR MANDATORY CERTIFICATION OF PORTLAND 
CEMENT AND BLENDED HYDRAULIC CEMENT WITH POZZOLAN COVERED 
BY PNS 07:2005 AND PNS 63:2006 RESPECTIVELY Page 9of9