Philippines has issued supplemental guidelines to enhance oversight of deformed steel bars and iron and steel products, requiring adherence to the latest version of PNS 49:2026 as the reference standard for conformance verification.
Philippines Updates Steel Bar Compliance Standards
Importers must verify products against new PNS 49:2026 standard.
What changed
Conformance verification required against PNS 49:2026 for all deformed steel bars.
Supplemental guidelines issued under DAO 18-08, Series of 2018 framework.
Enhanced oversight to prevent deceptive practices and protect health and safety.
Technical reference established for product evaluation and enforcement.
Who it affects
Steel importers must verify all deformed steel bars against PNS 49:2026.
Manufacturers of deformed steel bars must ensure products meet new standard.
Steel reinforcement bar producers must comply with updated verification requirements.
What to do
Verify all deformed steel bars against PNS 49:2026 standard.
Follow Supplemental Guidelines for DAO 18-08 implementation.
Ensure conformance documentation is available for inspection.
Compliance Answer: Enhanced Oversight of Deformed Steel Bars in the Philippines
The Philippines has updated its regulatory framework for deformed steel bars by mandating the use of Philippine National Standard (PNS) 49:2026 as the reference standard for conformance verification under Department Administrative Order (DAO) 18-08:2018. This transition replaces earlier versions (e.g., PNS 49:2020) and introduces stricter requirements, including the phased elimination of regular steel grades and the inclusion of weldable steel grades (e.g., 690W). Below is a structured breakdown of the key compliance obligations, timelines, and enforcement mechanisms.
1. Key Regulatory Requirements
1.1 Reference Standard Update
- PNS 49:2026 is now the mandatory reference standard for deformed steel bars covered under DAO 18-08:20181. This standard revises:
- Scope to specify steel bars for structural concrete reinforcement.
- Removal of regular steel grades and addition of 690W grade (weldable steel).
- Updated mechanical, physical, chemical, and marking requirements.
1.2 Transitory Provisions
| Requirement | Details | Deadline | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voluntary adoption of PNS 49:2026 | Manufacturers may use PNS 49:2026 immediately upon effectivity of the Circular1. | Upon effectivity | Bureau of Product Standards (BPS)1 |
| Mandatory adoption of PNS 49:2026 | All manufacturers (local/foreign) must comply with PNS 49:2026. | 30 April 2027 | BPS1 |
| Cancellation of PS licenses (regular grades) | PS licenses covering regular steel grades are automatically cancelled1. | 30 April 2027 | BPS1 |
| Permitted sale of PNS 49:2020-compliant products | Products certified under PNS 49:2020 may be sold/distributed only until 29 April 20271. | 29 April 2027 | BPS1 |
| Market enforcement | Only PNS 49:2026-compliant products permitted for manufacture/sale/distribution/use1. | 30 April 2027 | BPS1 |
1.3 Scope of Coverage
- Products affected: Deformed steel bars for concrete reinforcement under DAO 18-08:20181.
- Exclusions:
- PS licenses covering both regular and weldable grades will retain only weldable grades (e.g., 690W)1.
- Regular steel grades are phased out.
1.4 Enforcement and Penalties
- Market monitoring begins 30 April 2027 to ensure compliance with PNS 49:20261.
- Non-conforming products will be subject to BPS rules and regulations, including potential seizure, fines, or revocation of licenses1.
2. Implementation Timeline
- Effectivity of Circular:
- The Memorandum Circular takes effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation1.
- Voluntary Phase (Immediate):
- Manufacturers may adopt PNS 49:2026 upon effectivity1.
- Mandatory Phase (30 April 2027):
3. Repealing Clause
- The Circular repeals or amends any prior orders inconsistent with its provisions, including Memorandum Circular 21-07 (PNS 49:2020)1.
Summary Answer
The Philippines has mandated PNS 49:2026 as the exclusive reference standard for deformed steel bars under DAO 18-08:2018, replacing earlier versions (e.g., PNS 49:2020)1. Manufacturers may voluntarily adopt the new standard immediately, but full compliance is required by 30 April 20271. Key changes include the removal of regular steel grades and the addition of weldable grades (e.g., 690W). PS licenses covering regular grades will be cancelled or amended by the deadline, and market enforcement will commence to ensure only PNS 49:2026-compliant products are sold or distributed1. The Circular repeals inconsistent prior orders and takes effect 15 days after publication1.
Sources
- ↩ WTO TBT notification 26-03885 — Philippines https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2026/TBT/PHL/26_03885_00_e.pdf