DTI urged to inspect Christmas lights

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City Council recently passed a resolution urging the Department of Trade and Industry-7 to conduct surprise inspection and strict monitoring of the sale of Christmas lights in the market.

"This is to protect consumers from the hazards posed by substandard products such as electric shock and overheating that often lead to fire, property damage and even the loss of valued lives," the resolution read.

Sponsored by Councilor Jimmy Lumapas, the resolution said that the advent of the Yuletide Season is apparent and people are now busy with preparations for the traditional Filipino Christmas.

It said there are Christmas lights, lanterns, and other glittering Christmas decors which are already made available to the general public and are already out in the department stores and other establishments in the city.

DTI had recently issued a list of certified Christmas lights manufacturers, which can be viewed at the DTI Bureau of Philippine Standards website. It includes the Philippine Standards licenses and the Import Commodity Clearances of each manufacturer.

Under Republic Act No. 7394, otherwise known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines, the DTI will penalize those caught selling and distributing uncertified Christmas lights.

It added that in a memorandum duly issued by DTI Bureau of Philippine Standards, there were only seven Philippine Standards licenses and 171 Import Commodity Clearances Certificates that were approved for selling and distribution of certified Christmas lights, as of September 30, 2019.  BRP (FREEMAN)