Retailers told to sell only certified lights

The Department of Trade and Industry-7 head Zaide Bation recently met with the various retailers informing them of the need to follow the law and sell only certified products that the DTI has approved.

Bation said that if DTI finds retailers selling Christmas lights that are not DTI-certified, these retailers are to be sanctioned and fined and their products will be confiscated.

Bation further said not to buy products that have no PS (Product Safety) or ICC (International Council Code) marks and warned the public to examine Christmas lights they want to buy carefully.

These marks are seen on boxes, labels or packages and lights  with these seals certify that these have been subjected to a series of tests according to specific Philippine National Standards before they are distributed or sold in the market.

Aside from the PS or ICC marks, Bation said that buyers can also look for the manufacturer’s or distributor’s name, trademark, address on the packaging or the labels including voltage and wattage which are also indicated on the labels.

Among the brands that have been certified are Diamond Bright, Golden Seasons, Light and Shine, Joy of Lights, Hawaii Lights, Christmas Star, Tinsel Town, Diamond Bright, Xiang-An, Andrew, Gold Crest, Pinecrest, Good, Light Chain, Master, Fuji-Bright, Fuji Lite, Light Master, Merry Christmas, MLA Merry Christmas, Home Elements and North Star.

Bation revealed that for the first offense, penalty will be P37,000 plus P1,000 per day of continuing violation.  For the second offense, they will have to pay P75,000 and for the third  offense, they will be fined P150,000 and DTI can recommend closure of the store.  — Phoebe Jen Indino/BRP