DTI 11 reminds consumers to prioritize safety when buying Christmas lights | Department of Trade and Industry Philippines

Davao City – As the holiday season approaches, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 reminds shoppers to be cautious when buying Christmas lights.

The agency advised consumers to verify the presence of mandatory marks such as the Philippine Standard (PS) Quality and/or Safety Mark and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Sticker to ensure the products meet safety standards.

The DTI Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) has recently updated the list of approved Christmas lights. This comprehensive list includes details like the PS and ICC numbers, manufacturer information, and product descriptions. These DTI-regulated Christmas lights and lighting sets are permanently connected in series or series-parallel on a flexible conductor and are designed for connection to a main power supply. To protect consumers, the DTI has implemented several measures, including mandatory certification for manufacturers and importers, and continuous monitoring and enforcement of product standards law nationwide. These interventions ensure that these products meet safety standards and comply with the regulations.

A PS license and the right to use the PS mark are granted to manufacturers who have successfully passed factory audits and product testing. These certifications indicate that the manufacturer’s products comply with Philippine safety and quality standards. While ICC certifications and corresponding ICC stickers are issued to importers on a per-shipment per bill of lading basis. This certification is granted after products undergo inspection and testing, ensuring they meet the product standards’ requirements.

Aside from the regular monitoring and enforcement activities, DTI 11 has been conducting PS orientation among various retailers across the region, ensuring that they only sell certified products in the market for the safety and protection of consumers.

DTI 11 Regional Director Romeo L. Castañaga said that by prioritizing safety and choosing certified products, consumers can enjoy a joyful and worry-free holiday season.

The following are the safety reminders from DTI-BPS for consumers using Christmas lights:

1) For those who will be reusing Christmas lights from last year, carefully inspect the plug and cord of the lighting set for brittle and dented parts as the insulation material made of PVC plastic deteriorates over time;

2) Dispose of the old and damaged Christmas lights;

3) If stored Christmas lights can still be used but if have burnt-out bulbs, replace the burnt bulbs before using;

4) Check the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the advisable number of connected sets of Christmas lights. Plug each Christmas lights set directly to the electrical outlet;

5) Do not overload electrical outlets. Too many plugs in one outlet may overheat the outlet and may start a fire;

6) Do not leave Christmas lights turned on overnight;

7) Do not use nails, thumbtacks, and wire staples when hanging Christmas lights as these may damage its parts and create fire hazards. Use light hangers instead which are available in hardware and home stores; and

8) Read carefully the instructions on the packaging and/or the manuals of Christmas lights provided by the manufacturer.

Castañaga encourages manufacturers, importers, and businesses to file their application for product license and certification and take advantage of the convenience and efficiency of the online Product Certification Information Management System (PCIMS) found on the BPS website.

“Consumers must be smart and assert their rights when purchasing products both from physical and online stores. Prioritize your family’s safety when shopping. Do not compromise your family’s safety for the sake of spending less and saving a little extra amount,” Castañaga said.

Consumers may access the latest list of DTI-approved Christmas lights, as of October 14 this year, at https://bps.dti.gov.ph/product-certification/certified-products.

For inquiries or concerns regarding this advisory, consumers may contact DTI 11 at landline number (082) 224-0511 local 417. Concerns can also be sent through its official Facebook page, DTI Region 11. ♦

Date of release: 26 November 2024

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