As Christmas season draws near DTI issues warning against use of sub-standard lights

CEBU, Philippines - As Christmas is universally ushered in with all sorts of flickering lights in every corner, the Department of Trade and Industry – Cebu Provincial Office (DTI-CPO) has once again renewed its public warning that not all Yuletide items that glitter are safe.

The reminder, as customary, comes months before the buying season could peak to allow a wider coverage and prevent any form of accident arising from the use of sub-standard Christmas and light-emitting-diode (LED) lights.

Hounded by the occasional news of fires caused by Christmas decors that do not pass regulatory compliance or are improperly installed, the government more than ever stresses the importance of protecting end-users from bogus establishments selling unaccredited Christmas products, said DTI-CPO senior trade and industry development specialist Engr. Dario Cabarrubias.

In an exclusive interview with The FREEMAN, Cabarrubias said that as long as these products are used properly and pass through the country’s standards bureau, there will be “lesser chances for any untoward incident to occur.”

Even better, businesses that abide by the agency’s regulations will save themselves at least P25,000 in administrative penalties, which, as prescribed under the Consumer Act, may come with a possible 30 percent add-up should confirmed violators show signs of resistance.

Guidelines

According to DTI, consumers should look for the import commodity clearance (ICC) or Philippine Standards (PS) sticker on the products they are buying. Cabarrubias hinted that the sticker reflects that such product has gone and passed through the actual testing conducted by the agency.

But he warned buyers as well from fake ICC or PS stickers, including those stickers that date back to 2009 or earlier, stressing the strong possibility that such products might have been recycled and resold in the market.

ICC marks are those silver logos placed in the product’s packaging.

The public is likewise advised to take note of the name of importer, supplier or distributor; address and trademark; rated wattage and voltage; as well as other words of warning like “for indoor use only” as these items can help assure the public that suppliers are strictly following the labeling guidelines set by the law.

Cabarrubias described standard Christmas lights as having bulbs and wires that do not easily break, with their plug prongs sturdy. Some Christmas lights are set for indoor use while others can be used outdoors, he added.

Christmas lights specified for indoors should not be installed outside, where they are exposed to sun and rain, which could make the product deteriorate rapidly, Cabarrubias said.

He then suggested that when using Christmas lights that come in series connections, the lights should not exceed four lots and not be placed near light materials or anything that can easily ignite. Revelers should also take extra precaution and track their usage to avoid overheating.

Retailers’ briefing

DTI Cebu Provincial Director Nelia F. Navarro yesterday has ordered the release of a correspondence inviting local Christmas lights retailers to a briefing on October 9 that hopes to discuss mandatory product certification for Christmas lights, particularly on their quality and safety.

“With the endless variety of Christmas lights in the market, there might be questions on whether [one particular product] is covered by the standards or not. Thus, they may bring with them samples of Christmas lights for evaluation of our standards officers,” Navarro said in the letter.

In a document obtained by this paper from DTI, major retail player Unitop General Merchandise, Inc. in Highway Tabunok, Talisay City has confirmed attendance to this briefing scheduled 2:00 PM. at the DTI-CPO Conference Room.

On October 10, officers from the DTI-CPO, together with a private quality assurance team, will start visiting local retail outlets to check whether they are compliant with the standards. Consequently, products that do not meet average requirements will be confiscated, Cabarrubias said. (FREEMAN)