The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has tapped SM Supermalls as the secondary locations were motorcycle riders can validate their helmets.

In a statement, DTI and SM Supermalls said that they have joined efforts to assist more motorcycle riders and passengers in their applications for the inspection and sticker marking of their helmets.

“To facilitate the expected influx of applications, DTI simplifies the application and foregoes the form with a logbook. An applicant only needs to bring his/ her motorcycle helmet and a government-issued ID for reference,” the statement further added.

SM malls, which are accessible to the motorists, designated areas in its four malls to accommodate the DTI teams and the applicants.

The statement also announced that motorists can bring their applications to SM City North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, and SM City Manila from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in any of the following dates: November 09 to 10, 16 to 17, 23, 24, 30, 2010 and December 01, 07 to 08, 2012.

DTI said that the process shall have no fees and that application for inspection and import commodity clearance (ICC) sticker is free.

Three days ago, DTI in Central Luzon (Region III) has found out that there are several retailers in the specific areas who sell below standard motorcycle helmets.

In a statement, DTI-III found out that some of the motorcycle helmets sold were either uncertified and do not have an ICC sticker, or carry a suspicious ICC sticker.

DTI-III Regional Director Blesila Lantayona warned that any seller and/or dealer found selling motorcycle helmets without the Philippine Standard (PS), or ICC sticker shall be penalized with a fine ranging from P17,500 to P300,000 and the destruction of the seized products.

Tampering, alteration, forgery and imitation of the PS and ICC marks on the helmets shall also be penalized with the same fine, without prejudice to other penalties imposed in the Consumer Act of the Philippines (RA 7394), DTI specified.

Certified helmets made in the Philippines shall bear the Philippine Standard (PS) sticker, while certified imported helmets shall have the ICC sticker.

There are also other violations that were identified by DTI-III, such as selling of unbranded helmets, helmets brands that are not in the DTI-Certified Brand list, and helmets that do not follow approved configuration.