DTI to Adopt
New Safety Standard for Power Banks

It's no secret that our smartphones and gadgets are essential to our daily lives. With our on-the-go lifestyle, portable power banks have become a must-have accessory. But have you ever stopped to wonder if the one you're buying is truly safe?

Thankfully, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is stepping in to protect consumers. The DTI recently announced a major move to adopt a new global safety standard for portable power banks. This proactive effort aims to prevent dangerous battery-related incidents, such as fires and electrical hazards, which have been a growing concern worldwide.

What This Means for You

The DTI, through its Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS), is adopting the international UL 2056 safety standard as the new Philippine National Standard (PNS) for power banks. In simple terms, this new standard is a game-changer because it means:

  • Stricter Safety Checks: The standard sets comprehensive rules for how power banks are designed, built, and tested. This ensures they're made to resist common issues like overheating, short circuits, and power overloads.

  • A New Benchmark for Quality: This new standard gives manufacturers and importers a formal guideline to follow, pushing them to ensure their products meet a high level of quality and safety.

A "Voluntary" First Step

For now, the DTI has stated that compliance with the new standard is voluntary, which is an important point for you to know as a consumer. This means power banks won't immediately require a DTI safety sticker, like the PS Mark or ICC stickers you see on other electronic products.

However, this is still a very strong signal. If a brand or manufacturer says their power bank meets this new PNS, it means they are voluntarily holding their products to a high, globally-recognized standard. Think of it as a quality assurance handshake—it’s a great sign that their product is safer and more reliable.

Your Guide to Buying a Safer Power Bank

Since mandatory certification is still on the horizon, the power is in your hands to be a smart and safe buyer. Here's your action plan:

  • Ask about the UL 2056 Standard: Check the product packaging and manual, or ask the seller directly if the power bank complies with the UL 2056 standard.

  • Buy from Reputable Sources: Stick to well-known brands and established retailers who have a reputation for quality. Avoid unverified sellers, whether on the street or in online marketplaces.

  • Look for Other Certifications: While the DTI standard is new, you can also look for other established safety marks like CE or FCC. The unofficial UL-certified mark from Underwriter Laboratories is another great indicator that the product has undergone rigorous third-party testing.

  • Be Vigilant: If a power bank feels unusually hot, swells up, or shows any signs of damage, stop using it immediately. Safety first!

  • Know How to Report: If you encounter an unsafe product, the DTI Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) is the agency to contact. You can report consumer complaints by calling the DTI Consumer Care Hotline at 1-DTI (1-384) or by emailing ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph.

The DTI’s move is a welcome development that will make our digital lives safer. By being an informed consumer, you can use this new standard to make smarter buying decisions and help the DTI push for higher safety standards for everyone.