DTI conducts surprise inspections in stores

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry in Central Visayas has started conducting surprise inspections of Christmas lights sold in different establishments.

DTI -7 Consumer Protection Division chief Ines Cajegas said that for the first round, the agency inspected 22 establishments in some parts of Cebu.

“Okay kaayo ang resulta tungod kay wala gyud ta nakakita nga naka-violate,” Cajegas said.

Christmas lights should haveImport Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker or the printed Philippine Standard (PS) mark which signifies that the products have undergone the proper process.

Cajegas noticedthe few stocks of Christmas lights and probably due to the pandemic where consumers and expected to prioritize basic necessities.

The agencyreminds the publictopurchase only certified Christmas lights for their safety.

Individuals are also urged to look for proper markings and labeling on the packaging of the Christmas lights which include the name, address, trademark of the importer, rated voltage and rated wattage of the set, among others.

If the sellersfound not complying with the rules would face charges for violation of the DTI Department Administrative Order (DAO) 2:2007 and Republic Act (RA) 7394, otherwise known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines andStandards Law.

“Kuyaw man gud na sa sunog ang substandard Christmas lights. Dili gyud ta magbase sa presyo, ang atong basehan mao ang quality sa product,” she said.

Last year,DTI -7 were able to confiscate Christmas lights that are substandard in nine establishments. — GMR (FREEMAN)