DTI: Fake Christmas lights distribution minimized

PALO, Leyte – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) claimed the distribution on fake Christmas lights has been minimized but the public are reminded to scrutinize electrical products before buying.

“There is high public awareness about standard Christmas lights but we still ask consumers to check ICC (Import Commodity Clearance) and PS (Product Standard) marks. If consumers will see products without proper markings, they are encouraged to report the violations to us,” DTI regional director Cynthia Nierras said.

The official did not give figures since the regional office is still gathering violation reports from field offices.

Under the DTI-Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) Product Certification Scheme, which is based on the Department Administrative Order 5 series 2008, all importers of Christmas lights are required to secure an ICC certificate, before making products available in the local market.

Only those whose products complied with the requirements based on the Philippine National Standard on Christmas lights (PNS 189:2000) are appropriately issued with the ICC certificate and are allowed to place the ICC stickers on their products or product packages.

Last month, the trade department launched the price monitoring with Christmas lights as one of their priorities for inspection.

Nierras explained that unmarked Christmas lights have high risk to fire accidents and even electrocution when used. (Leyte Samar Daily Express)