The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced that it will adopt an international safety standard for portable power banks as the Philippine National Standard (PNS) by August 2025.
The move follows concerns about exploding power banks on airplanes and even in households. The new standard aims to help manufacturers ensure safer products for consumers.
“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,” Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said in a statement.
Power banks are widely used by people who need to keep their devices charged while on the move. But safety concerns have grown as more cases of overheating and explosions have been reported.
The DTI said the standard will be based on the UL 2056 guideline, which covers the design, construction, and testing of power banks to reduce fire and electrical risks. Although compliance will be voluntary, the agency urged manufacturers to follow the updated safety rules.
“This initiative is part of our proactive steps to prevent such accidents from happening in the first place,” Roque said.
The plan was discussed at a recent forum organized by the DTI and the global safety group UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE). The event, led by the DTI’s Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS), was attended by 88 stakeholders, including local manufacturers and agencies like the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the Bureau of Fire Protection.
“We are committed to advancing the battery sector by strengthening local manufacturing and fostering strategic partnerships that prioritize innovation, safety, and consumer protection,” Roque said.
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