THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reminded anew the public to be discerning in their choice of products and avoid patronizing substandard or low-quality items especially electronic items such as Christmas lights.

DTI-Central Luzon Regional Director Judith Angeles advised the public to refrain from choosing cheap but uncertified Christmas lights and other products at the expense of their family’s safety.

She reminded consumers to always check if products bear the Philippine Standard (PS) sticker or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) markings which are the official validating seals to ensure product quality and authenticity as guides for buyers.

“For a merrier celebration of Christmas and the whole holiday season, let us ensure the safety of our family by buying Christmas lights that met prescribed safety requirements as mandated by the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) which are identified through the presence of ICC and PS markings on the packaging or on the actual product,” she said.

Meanwhile, Angeles also assured the public that the agency will also intensify its monitoring activities in malls, markets, and supermarkets to ensure that only certified Christmas lights will be sold to consumers.

Uncertified and substandard Christmas lights will be confiscated and will be destroyed to ensure that they will not be repacked and resold, and sellers may face charges under the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

“Let us join hands in ensuring the safety of everybody from possible negative effects of substandard items, may it be Christmas lights or any other products in the market. Rest assured that the DTI is also doing its part to keep an eye on the violators,” she said.