Philippines: DTI urges online shopping platforms to take action vs overpriced face masks

• Feb 11, 2020

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is calling on online shopping companies to take action on overpriced face masks being sold on their platforms.

In a statement, the DTI said it met with online shopping platforms to get them to help in putting a stop to overpriced masks being sold to consumers.

Of the online shopping firms reached by the DTI, Shopee was the first to respond and  commit to work with the agency to remove all overpriced N95 and N88 masks being sold on its platform.

“We commend Shopee for immediately heeding our call. The cooperation of online shopping companies is very important in preventing unscrupulous individuals from taking advantage of consumers for their own profit,” DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said. 

After Shopee, DTI wants other online selling platforms to follow suit.

Confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the country have resulted in a surge in demand for N95 and N88 masks.

The virus can cause symptoms like runny nose, cough, fever, pneumonia, as well as breathing difficulties.

With physical stores running out of face masks, consumers have turned to online shopping platforms to purchase such products.

Some sellers have taken advantage of the demand, however, by selling overpriced masks.

The suggested retail price for face masks is at P1 to P8.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the agency is looking at adjustments on the SRP based on the cost from manufacturer. 

Source: https://www.philstar.com/business/2020/02/11/1992036/dti-urges-online-shopping-platforms-take-action-vs-overpriced-face-masks