DTI steps up campaign vs. uncertified Christmas lights

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has intensified its operations against uncertified and unsafe Christmas lights in Metro Manila during the last four months leading to Christmas Day.

The DTI enforcement team led by the Consumer Protection Group (CPG) headed by Undersecretary Ruth Castelo seized P250,000 worth of uncertified Christmas lights and unlicensed fireworks in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Throughout the holiday season, the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau, a unit of the CPG, inspected retail establishments selling fireworks and Christmas lights.  

The team served notice of violations to 10 retailers for selling uncertified Christmas lights and 10 retail outlets for selling unlicensed fireworks. Violators were given 48 hours to explain their non-compliance to product standards.

To ensure product quality and safety, the DTI enjoined the public to purchase fireworks with the Philippine Standard (PS) mark; and Christmas lights bearing either the PS Mark or the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC).  

The Department also advised consumers to be guided by the list of PS-licensed fireworks brands and companies released by the DTI – Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) on 19 December 2022.  

The nationwide campaign of DTI against unlicensed fireworks and uncertified items in the market underscores the enforcement of DTI technical regulations mandating compliance with Philippine Standard Certification Mark Schemes.  

“Upholding consumer safety makes the Holiday celebration brighter; with this, we always remind the consuming public to only buy licensed fireworks and certified Christmas lights that have undergone and passed the DTI testing schemes,” Castelo said.

Castelo reiterated that while the DTI enforcement activities aim to protect Filipino consumers’ right to safety; these also serve as a reminder of the consumers’ responsibility to be vigilant, especially when buying Christmas lights and fireworks to celebrate the holidays.  

From January to November 2022, FTEB has confiscated 219,693 pieces of uncertified products worth P67.5 million.