DTI-DOH-DA Joint Administrative Order No. 001-08

October 20, 2008
DTI-DOH-DA JOINT ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 001-08
SUBJECT : Rules and Regulations for Consumer Protection in a

Transaction Covered by the Consumer Act of the Philippines
(R.A. 7394) Through Electronic Means Under the
E-Commerce Act (R.A. 8792)
WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 7394, otherwise known as the Consumer Act of
the Philippines, declares that it is the policy of the State to protect the interests of the
consumer, promote his general welfare and to establish standards of conduct for
business and industry to implement measures to achieve, among others, the protection
against deceptive, unfair and unconscionable sales acts and practices; aIAcCH
WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 8792, otherwise known as the Electronic

Commerce Act, among others, recognizes the vital role of information and
communications technology (ICT) in nation-building aimed at facilitating domestic
and international dealings, transactions, arrangements, agreements, contracts and
exchanges and storage of information through the utilization of electronic, optical and
similar medium, mode, instrumentality and technology to recognize the authenticity
and reliability of electronic data messages or electronic documents related to such
activities and to promote the universal use of electronic transactions in the
government and by the general public;
WHEREAS, the Electronic Commerce Act, penalizes acts in violations of the

Consumer Act and other relevant or pertinent laws through transactions covered by or
using electronic data messages or electronic documents with the same penalties
provided for therein.
NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the provisions of the E-Commerce Act in

relation to the Consumer Act, the following Order is hereby prescribed for the
information, guidance and compliance of all concerned:
SECTION 1. Scope and Coverage. — This order shall apply to all

retailers, sellers, distributors, suppliers or manufacturers engaged in electronic
commerce with consumers.
Copyright 1994-2018 CD Technologies Asia, Inc. Trade, Commerce and Industry 2017 1
These implementing rules and regulations shall be enforced by:
(1) the Department of Health (DOH) with respect to food, drugs,

cosmetics, devices and hazardous substances;
(2) the Department of Agriculture (DA) with respect to fresh, primary-

and secondary processed agricultural and fishery 1(1) products; and
(3) the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) with respect to other
consumer products not specified above.
However, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) shall assume jurisdiction over
financial products and services offered by financial institutions under BSP
supervision. IHCacT
SECTION 2. Definition of Terms. — For purposes of this Order, the

definition of terms provided for under Article 4 of the Consumer Act of the
Philippines and the definition of terms provided for under Article 5 of the Electronic
Commerce Act are hereby adopted, the following terms are enumerated as follows:
1) Under the Consumer Act:
1.1) "Advertisement" means the prepared and through any form

of mass medium, subsequently applied, disseminated or
circulated advertising matter.
1.2) "Advertising" means the business of conceptualizing,

presenting or making available to the public, through any
form of mass media, fact, data or information about
attributes, features, quality or availability of consumer
products, services or credit.
1.3) "Advertising agency or Agent" means a service

organization or enterprise creating, conducting, producing,
implementing, or giving counsel on promotional campaigns
or programs through any medium for and in behalf of any
advertiser.
1.4) "Advertiser" means the client of the advertising agency or

the sponsor of the advertisement on whose account the
advertising is prepared, conceptualized, presented or
disseminated.
1.5) "Agricultural purpose" means a purpose related to the

production, harvest, processing, manufacture, distribution,
storage, transportation, marketing, exhibition, or disposition
of agricultural, fishery or marine products.
1.6) "Amount financed" in a consumer credit sale constitutes the

cash price plus non-finance charges less the amount of any
downpayment whether made in cash or in property traded
in, in a consumer loan the amount paid to, receivable by or
paid or payable to the buyer or to another person in his
behalf. ISDCaT
1.7) "Banned hazardous substance" means (1) any toy or other

articles intended for use by children, which are hazardous
per se, or which bear or contain substances harmful to
human beings; or (2) any hazardous intended or packaged in
a form suitable for use in the household, which the
implementing agency by regulation, classifies as "banned
hazardous substance" notwithstanding the existence of
cautionary labels, to safeguard public health and safety:
Provided, That the implementing agency may, by
regulation, exempt from this Act, articles which by reason
of their functional purpose require the inclusion of the
hazardous substance involved and which bear appropriate
labels giving adequate directions and warnings for their safe
use.
Procedures for the issuance, amendment or repeal of

regulations pursuant to clause (2) or paragraph (g) of this
Article shall be governed by the rules and regulations
promulgated by the Department of Health: Provided, That if
the Department of Health finds that the distribution for
household use of the hazardous substance involved presents
an imminent hazard to public health, it may publish in a
newspaper of general circulation a notice of such finding
and such substance shall be deemed to be a "banned
hazardous substance" pending the issuance of regulation
formally banning such substance.
1.8) "Batch" means a quantity of any drug or device produced
during a given cycle of manufacture.
1.9) "Business name, firm name or style" means any name or

designation other than the true name of a person,
partnership, corporation or association which is used or
signed in connection with his/its business or in:
(1) any written or printed receipt, including receipt for tax on

business;
(2) any written or printed contract not verified by a notary

public;
(3) any written or printed evidence of any agreement or

business transaction; and
(4) any sign or billboard kept conspicuously exhibited in plain

view in or at the place of the business, announcing a firm
name or business name or style. SAHIaD
1.10) "Cash price or delivered price", in case of trade transaction,

means the amount of money which would constitute full
payment upon delivery of the property (except money) or
service purchased at the creditor's place of business. In the
case of financial transactions, cash price represents the
amount received by the debtor upon consummation of the
credit transaction, net of finance charges collected at the
time the credit is extended, if any.
1.11) "Chain distribution plans" or "pyramid sales schemes"

means sales devices whereby a person, upon condition that
he makes an investment, is granted by the manufacturer or
his representative a right to recruit for profit one or more
additional persons who will also be granted such right to
recruit upon condition of making similar investments:
Provided, That, the profits of the person employing such a
plan are derived primarily from the recruitment of other
persons into the plan rather than from the sale of consumer
products, services and credit: Provided, further, That the
limitation on the number of participants does not change the
nature of the plan. ESIcaC
1.12) "Closing out sale" means a consumer sale wherein the seller
uses the announcement to create the impression that he is
willing to give large discounts or merchandise in order to
reduce, dispose or close out his inventory and business.
1.13) "Commerce" means the sale, lease, exchange traffic or

distribution of goods, commodities, productions, services or
property, tangible or intangible.
1.14) "Consumer" means a natural person who is a purchaser,

lessee, recipient or prospective purchaser, lessor or recipient
of consumer products, services or credit.
1.15) "Consumer credit" means any credit extended by a creditor

to a consumer for the sale or lease of any consumer product
or service under which part or all of the price or payment
therefor is payable at some future time, whether in full or in
installment.
1.16) "Consumer loan" means a loan made by the lender to a

person which payable in installments for which a finance
charge is or may be imposed. This term includes credit
transactions pursuant to an open-end-credit plan other than
a seller credit card.
1.17) "Consumer products and services" means goods, services

and credits, debts or obligations which are primarily for
personal, family, household or agricultural purposes, which
shall include but not limited to foods, drugs, cosmetics, and
devices.
1.18) "Consumer product safety rule" means a consumer product

safety standard described in Article 78 or a rule, under this
Chapter declaring a consumer product banned hazardous
product.
1.19) "Consumer transaction" means (1) (i) a sale, lease,

assignment, award by chance, or other disposition of
consumer products, including chattels that are intended to
be affixed to land, or of services, or of any right, title, or
interest therein, except securities as defined in the Securities
Act and contracts of insurance under the Insurance Code or
(ii) grant of provision of credit to a consumer for purposes
that are primarily personal, family, household or
agricultural, or (2) a solicitation or promotion by a supplier
with respect to a transaction referred to in clause (1). ESTAIH
1.20) "Corrosive" means any substance which on contact with

living tissue will cause destruction of tissue by chemical
action.
1.21) "Cosmetics" means (1) articles intended to be rubbed,

poured, sprinkle, or sprayed on, introduced into or
otherwise applied to the human body or any part thereof for
cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering
the appearance, and (2) article intended for uses as a
component of any such article except that such term shall
not include soap.
1.22) "Counterfeit product" means any consumer product which,

or the container or labeling of which, without authorization,
bears the trademark, trade name, or other identifying mark,
imprint, or device, or any likeness thereof, of a consumer
product manufacturer, processor, packer, distributor, other
than the person or persons who in fact manufactured,
processed, packed or distributed such product and which
thereby falsely purports or is represented to be the product
of, or to have been packed or distributed by such consumer
produce manufacturer, processor, packer or distributor.
1.23) "Credit card" means any card, plate, coupon book or other
credit device existing for the purpose of obtaining money,
property, labor or services on credit.
1.24) "Credit sale" means a sale of products, services or an

interest in land to a person on credit where a debt is payable
in installments or a finance charge is imposed and includes
any agreement in the form of a bailment of products or lease
of products or real property if the bailee or lessee pays or
agrees to pay compensation for use a sum substantially
equivalent to or in excess of the aggregate value of the
products or real property involved and it is agreed that the
bailee or lessee will become or for other or nominal
consideration has the option to become, the owner of the
products or real property upon full compliance with the
terms of the agreement.
1.25) "Credit transaction" means a transaction between a natural

person and a creditor in which real or personal property,
services or money acquired on credit and the person's
obligation to payable in installment. EDCcaS
1.26) "Creditor" means any person engaged in the business of

extending credit and shall include any person who as a
regular business practice makes loans or sells or rents
property or services on a time, credit or installment basis,
either as principal or as agent who requires as an incident to
the extension of credit, the payment of finance charge.
1.27) "Default or delinquency charge" means, with respect to a

consumer credit transaction, the penalty charge payable by
the consumer-debtor for failure to pay an amount or
installment in full on the date the same becomes due and
demandable, or on or before the period specified for the
purpose in the consumer credit sale documents.
1.28) "Device" means an instrument, apparatus, implement,

machine, contrivance, implant, in vitro regeant, or other
similar or related article, including any component, part or
accessory which is (1) recognized in the official United
States Pharmacopoeia-National Formulary (USP-NF) or any
supplement to them, (2) intended for use in the diagnosis of
disease or other condition or in the cure, mitigation,
treatment or prevention of disease, in man or other animals;
or (3) intended to affect the structure or any function of the
body of man or other animals, and which does not achieve
any of its principal intended purposes through chemical
action within or on the body of man or other animals and
which is not dependent upon being metabolized for the
achievement of any of its principal intended purposes.
1.29) "Distributor" means any person to whom a consumer

product is delivered or sold for purposes of distribution in
commerce, except that such term does not include a
manufacturer or retailer of such product.
1.30) "Drugs" means (1) articles recognized in the current official

United States Pharmacopoeia-National Formulary, official
Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States, official
National Drug Formulary, or any supplement to any of
them; and (2) articles intended for use in the diagnosis, cure
mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in man or
other animals; and (3) articles (other than food) intended, to
affect the structure or any function of the body of man or
animals; and (4) articles intended for use as a component of
any articles specified in clauses (1), (2) or (3) but do not
include devices or their components, parts or accessories.
The term "drug" when used in this Act shall include herbal
and/or traditional drug. They are defined as articles from
indigenous plant or animal origin used in folk medicine
which are: (1) recognized in the Philippine National
Formulary; (2) intended for use in the treatment or cure,
mitigation of disease symptoms, injury, or bodily defect for
use in man; (3) other than food, intended to affect the
structure of any function of the body of man; (4) put into
finishes, ready to use form by means of formulation, dosage
or dosage directions; and (5) intended for use as a
component of an of the articles specified in clauses (1), (2),
(3) and (4) of this paragraph. DHcSIT
1.31) "Expiry or expiration date" means the date stated on the

label of food, drug, cosmetic, device or hazardous substance
after which they are not expected to retain their claimed
safety, efficacy and quality or potency and after which it is
no longer permissible to sell them.
1.32) "Extremely flammable" means any substance which has a
flash point at or below negative six and six tenths degrees
centigrade as determined by the Tagliabue Open Cup
Tester; and the term "combustible" shall apply to any
substance which has a flash point of above twenty-six and
six-tenths degrees to and including sixty-five and
five-tenths degrees centigrade as determined by the
Tagliabue Open Cup Tester; Provided, That the
flammability or combustibility and of the contents of
self-pressurized containers shall be determined through
methods found by the implementing agency to be generally
applicable to such materials or containers, respectively, and
established by regulations issued by it.
1.33) "Food" means any substance, whether processed, semi

processed or raw, intended for human consumption and
includes chewing gum, drinks and beverages and any
substance which has been used as an ingredient or an
component in the manufacture, preparation or treatment of
food.
1.34) "Food additive" means any substance, the intended use of

which results or may reasonably be expected to result,
directly or indirectly, in its becoming a component or
otherwise affecting the characteristics of any food including
any substance intended for use in producing, manufacturing,
packing, processing, preparing, treating, packaging,
transporting, or holding food; and including any source of
radiation intended for any such use, if such substance is not
generally recognized, among experts qualified as having
been adequately shown through scientific procedures to be
safe under the conditions of the intended use.
1.35) "Generic name" is the identification of drugs and medicines

by their scientifically and internationally recognized active
ingredients or by their official generic name as determined
by the Bureau of Food and Drugs of the Department of
Health.
1.36) "Guarantee" means an expressed or implied assurance of the

quality of the consumer products and services offered for
sale or length of satisfactory use to be expected from a
product or other similar specified assurances.
1.37) "Hazardous substance" means: (1) (i) Any substance or

mixture of substances which is toxic, corrosive, irritant, a
strong sensitizer, flammable or combustible, or generates
pressure through decomposition, heat or other means, if
such substance or mixture or substances may cause
substantial injury or substantial illness during or as a
proximate result of any customary or reasonably foreseeable
ingestion by children;
(ii) Any substance which the department finds to be

under the categories enumerated in clause (1) (i) of
this paragraph;
(iii) Any radioactive substance, if, with respect to such

substance as used in a particular class of article or as
packaged, the Department, upon approval of the
Department, determines by regulation that the
substance is sufficiently hazardous to require
labeling in accordance with this Section in order to
protect the public health;
(iv) Any toy or other articles intended for use by children

which the director may, by regulation, determine the
presence of an electrical, mechanical, or thermal
hazard.
(2) This term shall not apply to food, drugs, cosmetics, and
devices nor to substances intended for use as fuels when
stored in containers and used in the heating, cooking or
refrigeration system of a house, but such term shall apply to
any article which is not in itself a pesticide but which is a
hazardous substances, as construed in clause 9a) of
paragraph (1), by reason of bearing or containing such
harmful substances described therein. cACHSE
1.38) "Highly toxic" means any substance which has any of the
following effects:
(1) produces death within fourteen days to one-half or
more than one-half of a group of ten or more
laboratory white rats each weighing between Two
hundred and three hundred grams, at a single dose of
fifty milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight,
when orally administered; or (2) produces death
within fourteen days to one-half or more group of ten
or more laboratory white rats each weighing between
two hundred and three hundred grams, when inhaled
continuously for a period of one hour or less than at
an atmospheric concentration of two hundred parts
per million by volume or less gas or vapor or two
milligrams per liter by volume or less of mist or dust,
provided such concentration is likely to be
encountered by man when substance is used in any
reasonably foreseeable manner; or (3) produces death
within fourteen days to one-half or more of a group
of ten or more rabbits, when tested in a dosage of
two hundred milligrams or less per kilogram of body
weight, or when administered through continuous
contact with the bare skin for twenty-four hours or
less.
1.39) "Home solicitation sale" means consumer sales or leases

which are personally solicited by any person or organization
by telephone, person-to-person contact or by written or
printed communication other than general advertising or
consummated at the buyer's residence or a place of business,
at the seller's transient quarters, or away from a seller's
regular place of business.
1.40) "Immediate container" means the container or package

which is immediately after or near the substance but does
not include package liners.
1.41) "Imminently hazardous product" means a consumer product

which presents an unreasonable risk of death, serious illness
or severe personal injury.
1.42) "Irritant" means any substance not corrosive within the

meaning of paragraph (t) of this Article which, on
immediate, prolonged or repeated contact with normal
living tissue will induce a local inflammatory reaction.
1.43) "Label, labeling" means the display of written, printed or

graphic matter on any consumer product, its immediate
container, tag, literature or other suitable material affixed
thereto for the purpose of giving information as to the
identity, components, ingredients, attributes, directions for
use, specifications and such other information as may be
required by law or regulations.
1.44) "Manufacture" means any and all operations involved in the

production, including preparation, propagation, processing,
formulating, filling, packing, repacking, altering,
ornamenting, finishing or otherwise changing the container,
wrapper or labeling of a consumer product in the
furtherance of the distribution of the same from the original
place of manufacture to the person who makes the final
delivery or sale to the ultimate user. TIHCcA
1.45) "Manufacturer" means any person who manufactures,

assembles or processes consumer products, except that if
the goods are manufactured, assembled or processed for
another person who attaches his own brand name to the
consumer products, the latter shall be deemed the
manufacturer. In case of imported products, the
manufacturer's representative or, in his absence, the
importer, shall be deemed the manufacturer.
1.46) "Mass media" refers to any means or methods used to

convey advertising messages to the public such as
television, radio, magazines, cinema, billboards, posters,
streamers, hand bills, leaflets, mails and the like.
1.47) "Materially defective product" means a product which,

because of the pattern of the defect, the number of defective
products distributed in commerce and the severity of the
risk or otherwise, creates a substantial risk of injury to the
public.
1.48) "Mislabeled hazardous substance" means any hazardous
substance intended, or packaged in a form suitable, for use
in households, especially by children, the packaging or
labeling of which is in violation of the special packaging
regulation issued by the department of Health under Article
91 or if such substance fails to bear a label which (1) states
conspicuously (i) the name and the exact address of the
manufacturer, packer, distributor or seller; (ii) the common
or usual name of the hazardous substance or of each
component which contributes substantially to the
harmfulness of the substance, unless the Department by
regulation approved by the Department permits or requires
the use of the recognized generic name; (iii) the signal word
"danger" on substances which are extremely flammable,
corrosive, highly toxic; (iv) the signal word "warning" or
"caution" on all other hazardous substances; (v) a frank
statement of the principal hazard or hazards involved as
"flammable", "vapor harmful", "causes burns", "absorbed
through skin", or similar wording describing the action to be
followed or avoided, except when modified by regulation
by the Department pursuant to Section 46; (vi) instructions,
when necessary or appropriate, for first-aid treatment; (vii)
the word "poison" for any hazardous substance which is
defines as highly toxic; (viii) instructions for handling
storage of packages which require special care in handling
or storage; and (ix) the statement "keep out of reach of
children", or its practical equivalent, if the article is
intended for use by children and is not a banned hazardous
substance, with the adequate directions for the protection of
children from the hazard involved. The aforementioned
signal words, affirmative statements, description of
precautionary measures, necessary instructions or other
words or statements may be in the English language or its
equivalent in Filipino; and (2) on which any statement
required under clause (1) of this paragraph are located
prominently and in contrast by typography, layout, with
other printed matters on the label.
1.49) "New Drugs" means (1) any drug the composition of which
is such that said drug is not generally recognized among
experts qualified by scientific training and experience to
evaluate the safety, efficacy, and quality of drugs as safe,
efficacious and of good quality for use under the conditions
prescribed, recommended, or suggested in the labeling
thereof; or (2) any drug the composition of which is such
that said drug, as a result of its previous investigations to
determine its safety; efficacy and good quality for use under
certain conditions, has become so recognized but which has
not, otherwise than in such investigations, been used to a
material extent or for a material time under new conditions.
"New Drugs" shall include drugs (a) containing a newly

discovered active ingredient; (b) containing a new fixed
combination of drugs, either by molecular or physical
combination of drugs, either by molecular or physical
combination; (c) intended for new indications; (d) an
additional new mode of administration; or (e) in an
additional dosage or strength of the dosage form, which
meets the conditions as defined under the new drug.
The definition of "new drugs" covers, to the extent

applicable, "new devices".
1.50) "New Product" means a consumer product which

incorporates a design, material or form of energy exchange
which has not previously been used substantially in
consumer products and as to which there exists a lack of
adequate information to determine the quality and safety of
such product if used by the consumers. EHcaAI
1.51) "Open-end-credit plan" means a consumer credit extended

on an account pursuant to a plan under which:
(1) the creditor may permit the person to make purchases or

obtain loans, from time to time, directly, from the creditor
or indirectly by use of credit card, check or other device;
(2) the person has the privilege of paying the balance; or
(3) a finance charge may be computed by the creditor from time

to time on an outstanding unpaid balance.
1.52) "Package or packaging" means any container or wrapping

in which any consumer product is enclosed for use in the
delivery or display of that consumer product to retail
purchasers, but does not include:
(1) shipping containers or wrapping used solely for the

transportation of any consumer product in bulk or in big
quantities by manufacturers, packers, or processors to
wholesale retail distributors thereof;
(2) shipping containers or outer wrappings used by retailers to

ship or deliver any product to retail customers if such
containers and wrappings bear no printed matter pertaining
any particular product; cDCSTA
(3) The wrappers or containers of consumer products sold in

small quantities by small retail stores to the consumer which
by tradition are wrapped with ordinary paper.
1.53) "Person" means any individual, partnership, corporation or

association, trust, government or governmental subdivision
or any other legal entity.
1.54) "Poisonous substance" means any substance capable of

destroying life or seriously endangering health when
applied externally to the body or introduced internally in
moderate doses.
1.55) "Price comparison" means the direct comparison in any

advertisement of a seller's current price for consumer
products, or services with any other price or statement of
value for such property or services expressed in pesos,
centavos, fractions or percentages.
1.56) "Price tag" means any device, written, printed, affixed or

attached to a consumer product or displayed in a consumer
repair or service establishment for the purpose of indicating
the retail price per unit or service.
1.57) "Principal display panel" means that part of the label that is
most likely to be displayed, presented, shown or examined
under normal customary conditions of display for retail or
sale.
1.58) "Private labeler" means an owner of a brand or trademark

on the label of consumer product other than a manufacturer
of the product.
A consumer product bears a private label if (1) the product

or its container is labeled with a brand or trademark of a
person other than its manufacturer; or (2) the brand or
trademark of the manufacturer of such product does not
appear on such label.
1.59) "Radioactive substance" means any substance which emits

ionizing radiation.
1.60) "Referral selling" means the sales device employed by the

sellers wherein the buyer is induced to acquire goods or
services by representing that after the acquisition of the
goods or services, he will receive a rebate commission or
other benefit in return for the submission of names of
potential customers or otherwise helping the seller enter into
other sales, if the receipt of such benefit is contingent on an
event occurring after the sale is made.
1.61) "Repair and service firm" means any business

establishment, engaged directly or indirectly, in repair,
service or maintenance of any consumer product.
1.62) "Retailer" means a person engaged in the business of selling

consumer products directly to consumers. TAaIDH
1.63) "Sale or distribution" shall mean an act made by a

manufacturer or seller, or their respective representative or
agent to make available consumer products, services or
credit to the end consumer sale transaction. It shall not
include sampling or any other distribution not for sale.
1.64) "Sales promotion" means techniques intended for broad
consumer participation which contain promises for gain
such as prizes, in cash or in kind, as reward for the purchase
of product, service or winning in contest, game, tournament
and other similar competitions which involve determination
of winner/s and which utilize mass media or other
widespread media of information. It also means techniques
purely intended to increase patronage and/or goodwill of a
product.
1.65) "Seller" means a person engaged in the business of selling

consumer products directly to consumers. It shall include a
supplier or distributor if (1) the seller is a subsidiary of
affiliate of the supplier or distributor; (2) the seller
interchanges personnel or maintains common or
overlapping officers or directors with supplier or distributor,
or (3) the supplier or distributor provides or exercises
supervision, direction or control over the selling practices of
the seller.
1.66) "Service" shall mean, with respect to repair and service

firms, service supplied in connection with a contract for
construction, maintenance, repair, processing, treatment or
cleaning of goods or of fixtures on land, or distribution of
goods, or transportation of goods.
1.67) "Services" means services that are the subject of a consumer

transaction, either together with, or separate from any kind
of personal property, whether tangible or intangible.
1.68) "Special packaging" means packaging that is designed or

constructed to be significantly difficult for children under
five years of age or open to obtain a toxic or harmful
amount of the substance contained therein within a
reasonable time and not difficult for normal adults to use
properly but does not mean packaging which all such
children cannot open or obtain a toxic or harmful amount
within a reasonable time.
1.69) "Standard" means a set of conditions to be fulfilled to

ensure the quality and safety of a product.
1.70) "Strong sensitizer" means any substance which will cause

on normal living tissue, allergy or photodynamic quality of
hypersensitivity which becomes evident on reapplication of
the same substance, to be designed as such by the
implementing agency. Before designating any substance as
a strong sensitizer, the implementing agency, upon
consideration of the frequency of occurrence and severity of
the reaction, shall find that the substance has a significant
capacity to cause hypersensitivity.
1.71) "Substandard product" means a product which fails to

comply with an applicable consumer product safety rule
which creates a substantial risk of injury to the public.
1.72) "Supplier" means a person, other than a consumer, who, in

the course of his business, solicits, offers, advertises, or
promotes the disposition or supply of a consumer product or
who other than the consumer, engages in, enforces, or
otherwise participates in a consumer transaction, whether or
not any privity of contract actually exists between that
person and the consumer, and includes the successor to, or
assignee of, any right or obligation one of the supplier. CETDHA
1.73) "Technical personnel of repair and service enterprise" shall

mean a mechanic or technician or any person who works or
renders diagnosis or advice in connection with repair,
service and maintenance of the consumer products in a
repair and service firm.
1.74) "Toxic substance" means any substance other than a

radioactive substance which can cause injury, illness or
death to man through indigestion, inhalation or absorption
through any body surface.
1.75) "Trade name" or "trademark" means a word or words,

name, title, symbol, emblem, sign or device or any
combination thereof used as an advertisement, sign, label,
poster or otherwise for the purpose of enabling the public to
distinguish the business of the person who owns and uses
said trade name or trademark.
2) Under the Electronic Commerce Act:
2.1) "Addressee" refers to a person who is intended by the

originator to receive the electronic data message or
electronic document, but does not include a person acting as
an intermediary with respect to that electronic data message
or electronic document.
2.2) "Computer" refers to any device or apparatus singly or

interconnected which, by electronic, electro-mechanical,
optical and/or magnetic impulse, or other means with the
same function, can receive, record, transmit, store, process,
correlate, analyze, project, retrieve and/or produce
information, data, text, graphics, figures, voice, video,
symbols or other, modes of expression or perform any one
or more of these functions.
2.3) "Electronic data message" refers to information generated,

sent, received or stored by electronic, optical or similar
means.
2.4) "Information and Communications System" refers to a

system for generating, sending, receiving, storing or
otherwise processing electronic data messages or electronic
documents and includes the computer system or other
similar device by or in which data is recorded or stored and
any procedures related to the recording or storage of
electronic data message or electronic document.
2.5) "Electronic signature" refers to any distinctive mark,

characteristics and/or sound in electronic form, representing
the identity of a person and attached to or logically
associated with the electronic date message or electronic
document or any methodology or procedures employed or
adopted by a person and executed or adopted by such
person with the intention of authenticating or approving an
electronic data message or electronic document. DCATHS
2.6) "Electronic document" refers to information or the
representation of information, data, figures, symbols or
other modes of written expression, described or however
represented, by which a right is established or an obligation
extinguished, or by which a fact may be proved and
affirmed, which is received, recorded, transmitted, stored,
processed, retrieved or produced electronically.
2.7) "Electronic key" refers to a secret code which secures and

defends sensitive information that crosses over public
channels into a form decipherable only with a matching
electronic key.
2.8) "Intermediary" refers to a person who in behalf of another

person and with respect to a particular electronic data
message or electronic document sends, receives and/or
stores or provides other services in respect of that electronic
message or electronic document.
2.9) "Originator" refers to a person by whom, or on whose

behalf, the electronic document purports to have been
created, generated and/or sent. The terms do not include a
person acting as an intermediary with respect to that
electronic document.
2.10) "Service provider" refers to a provider of —
i) Online services or network access, or the operator facilities

therefore, including entities offering the transmission,
routing, or providing of connections for online
communications, digital or otherwise, between or among
points specified by a user, of electronic documents of the
user's choosing; or
ii) The necessary technical means by which electronic

documents of an originator may be stored and made
accessible to a designated or undesignated third party.
Such service providers shall have no authority to modify or

alter the content of the electronic document received or to
make any entry therein on behalf of the originator,
addressee or any third party unless specifically authorized to
do so, and who shall retain the electronic document in
accordance with the specific request or as necessary for the
purpose of performing the service it was engaged to
perform.
SECTION 3. Requirements for Adopting Fair and Reasonable Business

Practices. — Retailers, sellers, distributors, suppliers or manufacturers engaged in
electronic commerce with consumers shall adopt fair and reasonable business
practices. cHSIDa
In this connection, retailers, sellers, distributors, suppliers or manufacturer

shall:
1.) ensure compliance with the requirements for consumer product

quality and safety standards under Title II, Chapter I of the
Consumer Act of the Philippines;
2.) ensure compliance with requirements for safe and good quality of
food, drugs, cosmetics and devices under Title II, Chapter II of the
3.) ensure compliance with requirements for substances other than

food, drugs, cosmetics and devices that are hazardous to consumer
health and safety under Title II, Chapter III of the Consumer Act of
the Philippines;
4.) not engaged in any deceptive, unfair and unconscionable sales acts
and practices under Title III, Chapter I of the Consumer Act of the
Philippines;
5.) honor and accept the responsibilities for consumer product and
services under warranties or guarantees under Title III, Chapter III
of the Consumer Act of the Philippines;
6.) ensure compliance with the requirements for labeling and

packaging, including price tag, indicating a fair, accurate and
adequate word, statement or information about a consumer product
labeling and fair packaging under Title III, Chapter IV of the
7.) be liable for defective products and service under Title III, Chapter
V of the Consumer Act of the Philippines;
8.) ensure compliance with other requirements of the provisions of the

Consumer Act of the Philippines and its Implementing Rules and
Regulations (IRR) as fair and reasonable business practices.
SECTION 4. Requirements for Adopting Fair Marketing and Advertising

Practices. — Retailers, sellers, distributors, suppliers or manufacturers engaged in
electronic commerce with consumers shall refrain from engaging in any false,
deceptive and misleading advertisement prohibited under the provisions of Title III,
Chapter VI of the Consumer Act of the Philippines and its IRR, and shall comply
with the advertising and promotion requirements therein, and other advertising and
promotion guidelines issued by the respective departments in compliance with other
relevant laws. SIaHDA
SECTION 5. Requirements for On-line Disclosure of Information. — 1.)

Information About the Retailers, Sellers, Distributors, Suppliers or Manufacturers.
Retailers, sellers, distributors, supplies or manufacturers engaged in electronic
commerce shall provide accurate, clear and easily accessible information to identify
themselves, which includes but not limited to the following:
1.1) Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and/or Securities and

Exchange Commission (SEC) registration;
1.2) name of the owner/proprietor of a retail establishment in case of a

single proprietorship and names of directors and other officers in
case of a corporation;
1.3) principal geographical address of the retailer, seller, distributor,

supplier or manufacturer, and when applicable, of offices or agents
in the Philippines;
1.4) website, e-mail address or other electronic means of contact,

telephone and fax numbers, of the retailer, and when applicable, of
its offices or agents in the Philippines;
1.5) any relevant local or foreign government registration/license

numbers such as but not limited to the local government unit's
permit to operate, Taxpayer's Identification Number (TIN), when
applicable;
1.6) contact details about any business association or organization

membership, when applicable.
1.7) representative agent(s) in the Philippines for purposes of summons.
2.) Information About the Products or Services. Retailers, sellers,

distributors, suppliers or manufacturers engaged in electronic commerce with
consumers shall provide:
2.1) fair, accurate, clear and easily accessible information describing

the products or services offered for sale such as the nature, quality
and quantity thereof;
2.2) fair, accurate, clear and easily accessible information sufficient to

enable consumers to make an informed decision whether or not to
enter into the transaction; and
2.3) such information that allows consumers to maintain an adequate

record of the information about the products and services offered
for sale.
3.) Information About Consumer Transaction.
3.1) Retailers, sellers, distributors, suppliers or manufacturers engaged

in electronic commerce with consumers shall provide sufficient,
clear, accurate, easily accessible information about the terms,
conditions and costs of the consumer transaction to enable
consumers to make an informed decision.
3.2) The manner of providing this information shall give consumers an

adequate opportunity to review the terms, conditions and costs
before entering into the consumer transaction and allow the
consumers to retain a copy of the information. SHAcID
3.3) Retailers, sellers, distributors, suppliers or manufacturers shall

make available to consumers a clear and complete text of the
relevant terms and conditions of the consumer transaction. The
consumers should be able to access and retain a record of the
information by printing or electronic record.
3.4) The information shall include the price tag of the product or
service and the applicable currency. However, applicable costs not
included in the price tag such as delivery, postage, handling,
insurance, shipping charges, taxes, and specific reference to any
other charges, customs fees and other fees that may be imposed on
or collected from consumers shall be so stated in the information.
The information shall include notice of any optional ongoing costs,
fees and charges and methods of notification for changes to those
costs, fees and charges.
3.5) Where applicable, the following information shall be provided to

consumers:
3.5.1) any restrictions, limitations or conditions of purchase, such

as geographic limitations or parental/guardian approval
requirements for minors;
3.5.2) payment mechanisms that are reliable, easy to use and offer
security that is appropriate for the transaction and details of
payment terms that include:
3.5.2.1) available methods of payment;
3.5.2.2) the security of those payment methods in clear, simple

language, so as to help consumers judge the risk in relying
on these methods;
3.5.2.3) how best to use the methods;
3.5.2.3) how to cancel regular payments under those methods;

and
3.5.2.4) any costs applicable to those payment methods.
3.5.3) terms of delivery;
3.5.4) mandatory safety and health care warnings that a consumer

would get at any physical/offline line point of sale; HcTEaA
3.5.5) details and conditions about termination, return, exchange,

cancellation and refunds;
3.5.6) details about any cooling off period or right of withdrawal;
3.5.7) any conditions about contract renewal or extension;
3.5.8) details about any available warranties and guarantees;
3.5.9) details about any after-sales service; and
3.5.10) any required quality or certification standards marks,

registration or license for consumer products issued by a
relevant local or foreign government.
3.5.11) where a retailer, seller, distributor, supplier or

manufacturer specifies an applicable law or jurisdiction to
govern any contractual disputes or a jurisdiction or forum
where disputes must be determined, it shall clearly and
conspicuously state that information at the earliest possible
stage of the consumer's interaction with the retailer, seller,
distributor, supplier or manufacturer.
SECTION 6. Conclusion of Consumer Transaction. — 1.) Where

appropriate, before concluding the purchase, retailers, sellers, distributors, suppliers
or manufacturers shall provide, by procedures, consumers the opportunity to:
1.1) review and accept or reject the terms and conditions of the
contract;
1.2) identify precisely the product or service consumers wish to

purchase or avail;
1.3) identify and correct any errors or modify the order; and
1.4) retain a record of any purchase/order, transaction confirmation,

acceptance of any offer they make.
2.) Retailers should promptly acknowledge receipt of any order, confirmation

or acceptance received.
SECTION 7. Original Documents. — Where the law requires that a

document be presented or retained in its original form, that requirement is met by an
electronic document or electronic data message if —
1.) There exists a reliable assurance as to the integrity of the electronic

document or electronic data message from the time when it was first generated in its
final form and such integrity is shown by evidence aliunde (that is, evidence other
than the electronic data message itself) or otherwise; and,
2.) The electronic document or electronic data message is capable of being

displayed to the person whom it is presented.
3.) For the purpose of paragraph (1) above:
3.1) The criteria for assessing integrity shall be whether the

information has remained complete and unaltered, apart
from the addition of any endorsement and any change
which arises in the normal course of communication,
storage and display; and,
3.2) The standard of reliability required shall be assessed in the

light of the purpose for which the information was
generated and in the light of all relevant circumstances.aSTAcH
An electronic data message or electronic document meeting and complying

with the requirements of Sections 6 or 7 of Republic Act No. 8792 or the "Electronic
Commerce Act" shall be the best evidence of the agreement and transaction contained
therein.
SECTION 8. Compliance of Retailers Engaged in Electronic Commerce

with the Data Protection Guidelines. — Any retailer engaged in the business of
electronic commerce with consumers shall comply with the requirements set forth in
Section 4 on general principles for the protection of personal data, Section 5 on
voluntary accreditation, Section 6 on lawful access to personal data in an information
and communication system, Section 7 on obligation of confidentiality and Section 8
on security of data provided for under the provisions of the DTI Department
Administrative Order No. 8, Series of 2006 or "Prescribing Guidelines for the
Protection of Personal Data in Information and Communications System in the
Private Sector".
SECTION 9. Addressing Consumer Complaints. —
(1) Setting Up of Internal Complaint-Handling Mechanism. Retailers, sellers,

distributors, suppliers, or manufacturers shall set up and make operational an internal
complaint-handling mechanism for consumer complaints within a maximum period of
three (3) months but the mechanism should not prejudice the rights of the consumers
to seek legal redress.
(2) Procedure for filing a complaint with concerned implementing agencies.

DHESca
(2.1) Any person aggrieved by any transaction arising from the purchase
of goods and services from a business establishment for
violation(s) of the Consumer Act transacted by using electronic
data messages or electronic documents as defined in Electronic
Commerce Act may file such complaint before the concerned
implementing agencies by furnishing a copy of the specific
electronic data messages or electronic document related to the
transaction.
(2.2) Upon receipt of the formal written complaint, either through mail,
personal delivery or electronic data messages/electronic
documents, the concerned implementing agencies may commence
an investigation based on the said electronic data messages or
electronic documents subject to the existing Implementing Rules
and Regulations of the Consumer Act as well as the Electronic
Commerce Act.
(2.2.1) If after mediation/conciliation of the complaint, there was

no amicable settlement agreed upon, the Arbitration Officer
shall prepare and serve summons to the respondent by
personal service, mail or publication as the case may be.
Upon receipt of the answer, the parties shall be notified of
the date, time and place of hearing.
(2.2.2) The summons shall require respondent to answer the

complaint (and not file a Motion to Dismiss) within ten (10)
days from service thereof. The respondent shall answer the
complaint in writing, together with its sworn statement and
those of his witnesses and his documentary evidence and
serve copies thereof upon complainant. The voluntary
appearance of the Respondent in the action is equivalent to
service of summons.
(2.2.3) If after summons, the respondent fails to answer within the
time allowed therefrom, the implementing agency may
declare the respondent in default and the case may be
decided upon the evidence submitted by the complainant.
(2.3) The concerned implementing agencies shall inform the

complainant on the action taken thereby.
(2.4) The complaint shall be decided within fifteen (15) days from the
time the investigation was terminated.
(2.5) Any order, not interlocutory, of the Consumer Arbitration Officer

(CAO), becomes final and executory unless appealed to the
Secretary of the concerned implementing agency within 15 days
from receipt of such order. An appeal may be entertained only on
any of the following grounds: aSTAHD
(2.5.1) grave abuse of discretion;
(2.5.2) the order is in excess of the jurisdiction or authority of the CAO;

and
(2.5.3) the order is not supported by the evidence or there is serious error
in the findings of facts.
(2.6) The Secretary of the concerned implementing agency shall decide

the appeal within thirty (30) days from receipt thereof. The
decision becomes final after fifteen (15) days from receipt thereof
unless a petition for certiorari is filed with the proper court.
The above procedure shall be supplemented by DTI-DOH-DA Joint

Administrative Order (JAO) No. 1, Series of 1993 or "Rules and Regulations
Implementing the Provisions of Chapter III Title V of Republic Act No. 7394
Otherwise Known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines" and other existing rules.
However, for complaints filed with the DTI under JAO 1, Series of 1997, the
procedure shall be supplemented by the Department Administrative Order No. 7,
Series of 2006 or "Instituting the Simplified and Uniform Rules of Procedures for
Administrative Cases Filed with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for
Violation of the Consumer Act of the Philippines and Other Trade and Industry
Laws" and Department Administrative Order No. 5, Series of 2007 or "Rules on
Mediation in the Resolution of Inquiries, Complaints and/or Cases Filed with the
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for Violations of the Consumer Act of the
Philippines and Other Trade and Industry Laws Supplementing Department
Administrative Order No. 07, Series of 2006", an Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Any consumer located in the Philippines aggrieved by any consumer

transaction through electronic means with a retailer seller, distributor, supplier or
manufacturer from another country may file his complaint in the Philippine
trade/consular office/embassy therein or directly in the foreign government agency or
regulator of the country where the retailer, seller, distributor, supplier or manufacturer
is located with the assistance of the Philippine government agency concerned. The
Philippine trade/consular office/embassy may refer to and coordinate with the foreign
government agency or regulator of the country where the retailer, seller, distributor,
supplier or manufacturer is located. Upon request of the Philippine government
agency concerned, the Philippine trade/consular office/embassy may provide
information on the result or development of the referral and coordination of said
complaint.
SECTION 10. Prescription. — All action or claims accruing under the

provisions of the Consumer Act of the Philippines, its Implementing Rules and
Regulations and this Order issued pursuant thereto shall prescribe within two (2)
years from the time the consumer transaction was consummated or the deceptive or
unfair and unconscionable act or practice was committed and in case of hidden
defects, from discovery thereof.
SECTION 11. Separability Clause. — In the event that any provision of

this Order is declared unconstitutional, the validity of the other provisions shall not be
affected by such declaration.
SECTION 12. Penal and Administrative Sanctions. — Any violation of

this Order shall be dealt with in accordance with the Consumer Act and its
Implementing Rules and Regulations and other applicable laws.
SECTION 13. Repealing Clause. — All previous Orders which are

inconsistent with this Order are hereby repealed or amended accordingly. HIETAc
SECTION 14. Publication and Effectivity. — This Order shall be

published in two (2) newspapers of general circulation and shall take effect fifteen
(15) days after its publication.
Issued this 20th day of October 2008 in Makati City, Philippines.
Approved:
(SGD.) PETER B. FAVILA

DTI Secretary
(SGD.) FRANCISCO T. DUQUE III, M.D.

DOH Secretary
(SGD.) ARTHUR C. YAP

DA Secretary
Footnotes
1. This is in accordance with Section 62 of Republic Act No. 8435 or the "Agriculture
and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997" providing for the coverage of the products
under the Department of Agriculture.
December 17, 2007
DTI-DOH JOINT ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 015-08
SUBJECT : Guidelines and Policy Concerning the Regulation of Soap

Products as Defined Under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive
and of Persons or Establishments Manufacturing and/or
Distributing the Same
I. Rationale
Section 15, Article II of the 1987 Constitution declares it a policy of the State
to "protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health
consciousness among them".
To implement the above Constitutional policy, Republic Act No. 3720,

otherwise known as the "Foods, Drugs and Devices, and Cosmetics Act", as amended
by Executive Order No. 175, was enacted to insure safe and good quality of food,
drug and devices, and cosmetic and to regulate the production, sale and traffic of such
products. Subsequently, Republic Act No. 7394, otherwise known as the "Consumer
Act of the Philippines" was passed, likewise, declaring therein as the policy of the
State to protect the interest of the consumer, promote his general welfare and establish
standards of conduct for business and industry.
Republic Act No. 7394, however, defines Cosmetics as (1) articles intended to
be rubbed, poured, sprinkled or sprayed on, introduced into or otherwise applied to
the human body or any part thereof for cleansing, beautifying, promoting
attractiveness, or altering the appearance and (2) article intended for use as a
component of any such article except that such term shall not include soap.
Based on the above definition, it appears that the regulation of soap products
and the persons or establishments producing the same is vested not with the
Department of Health, through the Bureau of Food and Drugs, but with the
Department of Trade and Industry.
II. Background
The subsequent establishment in the region of an ASEAN Free Trade Area

(AFTA) resulted in the development of the Association of South East Asian Nation
(ASEAN) Harmonized Cosmetic Regulatory Scheme, the objectives of which are, (a)
to enhance cooperation amongst Member States in ensuring the safety, quality and
claimed benefits of all cosmetic products marketed in ASEAN; and (b) to eliminate
restrictions to trade of cosmetic products amongst Member States through
harmonization of technical requirements, Mutual Recognition of Product Registration
Approvals and adoption of ASEAN Cosmetic Directive. AcCTaD
Under Article 2 of the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive, Cosmetic product is

defined to mean any substance or preparation intended to be placed in contact with
the various external parts of the human body (epidermis, hair system, nails, lips and
external genital organs) or with the teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral
cavity with a view exclusively or mainly to cleaning them, perfuming them, changing
their appearance and/or correcting body odours and/or protecting them or keeping
them in good condition. Further, Annex 1, Appendix 1 of the ACD — Illustrative list
by categories of Cosmetic Products includes, among others, toilet soap and deodorant
soap;
Based on the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive, the Department of Health and the
Bureau of Food and Drugs have adopted and implemented the above ASEAN
Harmonized Cosmetic Regulatory Scheme and ASEAN Common Technical
Documents through the issuance of Administrative Order Nos. 2005-015 and
2005-025, respectively.
The Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Health recognize

that the latter, through BFAD, is possessed with the expertise and technical capability
to, (a) establish standards or rules in the registration of cosmetics including soap
products, as well as, the requirements for the licensing of persons or establishments
engaged in the manufacture and/or distribution of said products; and (b) determine
compliance with the standards or rules for soap registration and requirements for
licensing of concerned persons or establishments, the above being the mandate of the
Bureau laid down under R.A. No. 3720.
III. Guideline
In the interest of consumer protection and for the purpose of unification,

simplification, efficiency and convenience of regulation processes relating to soap
products, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Health hereby
establish the following:
A. The regulation of soap products as defined under the ASEAN Cosmetic

Directive and of persons or establishments engaged in the manufacture
and/or distribution of the same shall be transferred to the full control
and supervision of the Department of Health, through the Bureau of
Food and Drugs;
B. The Department of Health, through its Bureau of Food and Drugs, shall
endeavor to formulate standards and rules, as well as, requirements for
licensing of persons or establishments engaged in the manufacture
and/or distribution of soap products;
C. The Department of Health, through its Bureau of Food and Drugs, shall
formulate rules and regulations to effectively ensure compliance by
manufacturers and/or distributors of soap products with the prescribed
standards, rules and requirements, providing sanctions and or penalties
in case of violation; aSIHcT
D. The Department of Health, through its Bureau of Food and Drugs shall
participate in any meeting relating to the above regulatory function,
local or international; and
E. The Department of Health, through its Bureau of Food and Drugs shall
coordinate, when necessary, with the Department of Trade and Industry
on matters of restrictions to trade of soap products amongst ASEAN
Member States.
IV. Separability Clause
If any provision in this joint Administrative Order, or application of such

provision to any circumstances, is held invalid, the remainder of the provisions of this
Order shall not be affected.
V. Repealing Clause
All provisions of existing administrative issuances, bureau circulars and

memoranda inconsistent with this Order are hereby withdrawn, repealed and revoked
accordingly.
VI. Effectivity
This Order shall take effect immediately after publication in a newspaper of

general circulation.
(SGD.) FRANCISCO T. DUQUE, M.D., M.Sc.

Secretary of Health
(SGD.) PETER B. FAVILA

Secretary of Trade and Industry
Published in the Malaya and in The Philippine Star on August 4, 2008.
Endnotes
1 (Popup - Popup)
1. This is in accordance with Section 62 of Republic Act No. 8435 or the "Agriculture
and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997" providing for the coverage of the products
under the Department of Agriculture.

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October 20, 2008

DTI-DOH-DA JOINT ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 001-08

SUBJECT : Rules and Regulations for Consumer Protection in a

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 8792, otherwise known as the Electronic

WHEREAS, the Electronic Commerce Act, penalizes acts in violations of the

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the provisions of the E-Commerce Act in

SECTION 1. Scope and Coverage. — This order shall apply to all

(1) the Department of Health (DOH) with respect to food, drugs,

(2) the Department of Agriculture (DA) with respect to fresh, primary-

SECTION 2. Definition of Terms. — For purposes of this Order, the

1) Under the Consumer Act:

1.1) "Advertisement" means the prepared and through any form

1.2) "Advertising" means the business of conceptualizing,

1.3) "Advertising agency or Agent" means a service

1.4) "Advertiser" means the client of the advertising agency or

1.5) "Agricultural purpose" means a purpose related to the

1.6) "Amount financed" in a consumer credit sale constitutes the

1.7) "Banned hazardous substance" means (1) any toy or other

Procedures for the issuance, amendment or repeal of

1.9) "Business name, firm name or style" means any name or

(1) any written or printed receipt, including receipt for tax on

(2) any written or printed contract not verified by a notary

(3) any written or printed evidence of any agreement or

(4) any sign or billboard kept conspicuously exhibited in plain

1.10) "Cash price or delivered price", in case of trade transaction,

1.11) "Chain distribution plans" or "pyramid sales schemes"

1.13) "Commerce" means the sale, lease, exchange traffic or

1.14) "Consumer" means a natural person who is a purchaser,

1.15) "Consumer credit" means any credit extended by a creditor

1.16) "Consumer loan" means a loan made by the lender to a

1.17) "Consumer products and services" means goods, services

1.18) "Consumer product safety rule" means a consumer product

1.19) "Consumer transaction" means (1) (i) a sale, lease,

1.20) "Corrosive" means any substance which on contact with

1.21) "Cosmetics" means (1) articles intended to be rubbed,

1.22) "Counterfeit product" means any consumer product which,

1.24) "Credit sale" means a sale of products, services or an

1.25) "Credit transaction" means a transaction between a natural

1.26) "Creditor" means any person engaged in the business of

1.27) "Default or delinquency charge" means, with respect to a

1.28) "Device" means an instrument, apparatus, implement,

1.29) "Distributor" means any person to whom a consumer

1.30) "Drugs" means (1) articles recognized in the current official

1.31) "Expiry or expiration date" means the date stated on the

1.32) "Extremely flammable" means any substance which has a

1.33) "Food" means any substance, whether processed, semi

1.34) "Food additive" means any substance, the intended use of

1.35) "Generic name" is the identification of drugs and medicines

1.36) "Guarantee" means an expressed or implied assurance of the

1.37) "Hazardous substance" means: (1) (i) Any substance or

(ii) Any substance which the department finds to be

(iii) Any radioactive substance, if, with respect to such

(iv) Any toy or other articles intended for use by children

1.39) "Home solicitation sale" means consumer sales or leases

1.40) "Immediate container" means the container or package

1.41) "Imminently hazardous product" means a consumer product

1.42) "Irritant" means any substance not corrosive within the

1.43) "Label, labeling" means the display of written, printed or

1.44) "Manufacture" means any and all operations involved in the