The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has seized 1,140 PVC water pipes and fittings that were allegedly on sale without the mandatory Sri Lanka Standards (SLS) certification mark.
The seizures came during 87 raids in 20 districts on 13 and 14 October. The CAA targeted retail shops, wholesale outlets and distribution establishments that sell PVC pipes and fittings.
Officers found that 65 of the 87 establishments inspected could not produce purchase invoices for the products. The CAA said it is investigating how the goods entered the market and is working to identify the manufacturers, importers, suppliers and distributors involved.
The authority said legal action will be started before the relevant Magistrate’s Courts against traders where there is enough evidence. Action against manufacturers, importers and distributors will be considered once they are identified and the evidence has been gathered.
The CAA said a verbal assurance from a manufacturer or trader that a product meets the required standard is not enough where certification is mandatory under the law. It warned traders against selling covered products without the prescribed SLS mark and advised them to keep purchase invoices and supply records.
Background
Certain categories of PVC pipes and fittings must carry the SLS mark under Direction No. 25 of Extraordinary Gazette No. 1566/1, issued on 8 September 2008 under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act No. 9 of 2003. The SLS 147 standard applies to rigid PVC pipes used for cold drinking water supply, while SLS 659 applies to the joints and fittings used with them.
The Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) has also placed the relevant locally manufactured product categories on its list of products subject to mandatory certification. The SLS mark indicates that a product has been tested against the national standard for that category.
What it means
The CAA advised consumers buying PVC pipes and fittings, particularly for drinking water supplies, to check the SLS mark, the manufacturer’s details, the pipe dimensions, the pressure rating and whether the product suits its intended use. Buyers were also urged to obtain and keep their purchase receipts.
Members of the public can report suspected sales of PVC pipes and fittings without the mandatory SLS mark to the CAA hotline, 1977, during office hours.
Traders who stock covered products without certification, or without invoices showing where the goods came from, face the possibility of prosecution if the investigations find sufficient evidence.
