THIS early, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 7 is warning both sellers and buyers against buying substandard Christmas lights.
In an interview, DTI 7 Director Asteria Caberte warned establishments not to attempt selling substandard Christimas lights because they could be slapped with penalties.
“We already gave warning to our suppliers to not even attempt,” Caberte said.
Christmas lights without Import Commodity Stickers (ICC), or those with fake substitutes, are considered substandard.
Generally, ICC stickers are mandatory for importers to ensure customers that their products passed the inspection and test requirements based on Philippine National Standards.
Substandard Christmas lights have been the major cause of fire incidents during the holiday season.
“If it’s unusually cheap, start doubting. If it’s not in formal establishments, that could be (substandard)” she added.
Retailers and suppliers of substandard Christmas lights will receive letters from DTI and may be penalized by up to P1 million if they refuse to comply.
October is Consumer Welfare Month. DTI, as lead agency in consumer protection, issued this warning in light of the Consumer Act of the Philippines or Republic Act 7394 that safeguards consumers from unfair trade practices. (JOG)