DTI to adopt global safety standards for power banks

To enhance consumer protection and align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of building “future-ready” industries, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced on Friday that it will adopt international safety standards for portable power banks.

“With the growing use of power banks and the global surge of battery-related incidents … we must ensure that only safe, reliable and high-quality power banks and batteries reach our consumers,” said DTI Secretary Cristina Roque in a statement.

The DTI’s announcement followed a forum organized by the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) in collaboration with global safety group UL Standards & Engagement. The event gathered 88 participants, including local manufacturers and representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and Bureau of Fire Protection.

Roque emphasized that the international safety benchmark will be officially adopted as the Philippine National Standard to help protect users from defective or dangerous devices.

“We are committed to advancing the battery sector by strengthening local manufacturing and fostering strategic partnerships that prioritize innovation, safety, and consumer protection,” she said.

Discussions at the forum focused on UL 2056, a globally recognized safety standard outlining technical requirements for the safe design and construction of power banks. Industry experts also underscored the importance of rigorous testing to minimize fire hazards and electrical risks associated with battery-powered devices.