DTI warns consumers over substandard X'mas lights
The holiday season is almost here and retail stores have started displaying and selling Christmas lights and decors.
The Department of Trade and Industry is reminding consumers to be vigilant and buy Christmas lights with the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Mark only. The ICC mark ensures product quality and safety since these products have passed the required safety tests and inspections based on specific standards. The cheap and uncertified Christmas lights pose great hazards such as electric shock and overheating which can lead to fire.
DTI Iloilo Provincial Director Wilhelm M. Malones says, "In preparation for the fast-approaching Christmas season, consumers must be extra cautious in buying Christmas lights to enjoy a hazard-free Christmas holiday."
All importers of Christmas lights are required to apply for the ICC certificates and subject their products to required tests of the Philippine National Standards (PNS). Only importers whose products comply with PNS189:2000 for Christmas lights are authorized to affix the ICC marks on their products.
Iloilo Provincial Director Malones urge consumers to look for ICC marks on the Christmas lights including their safety warnings. Safety warnings like: Do not cascade/attach more than three (3) or the recommended sets of Christmas lights to avoid overloading; Disconnect from supply before removing or inserting any lamp; Avoid damage to insulation; or Failed lamps shall be replaced immediately by lamps of the same rated voltage and wattage to avoid risk of overheating should be present in the packaging of the said product.
(DTI-Iloilo)