CONSUMERS must be extra vigilant in buying seasonal items such as Christmas lights as some of these products have not undergone safety evaluation and may cause electric shock, fire and chemical exposure.
For the safety of the family and the environment, everyone must invoke their right to be protected against harmful and poor quality products, which is guaranteed by the Constitution. Section 9 of Article XVI of the Constitution declares: “The State shall protect consumers from trade malpractices and from substandard or hazardous products.”
As popular Christmas decorations such as holiday lights enjoy brisk sales now, we caution the public against buying Christmas lights and lighting chains that may pose serious threat to public health and safety. Pursuant to the Department of Trade and Industry – Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) Product Certification Scheme, importers of Christmas lights are required to obtain an Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) certificate before putting their products for sale in the domestic market.
The BPS reminds importers that “to ensure that all Christmas lights/lighting chains are affixed with the appropriate ICC stickers or Philippine Standard certification mark before distribution in the local market.”
Aside from having valid ICC hologram stickers, Christmas lights – and all other products in the market, for that matter – must have information about their importers or distributors. This is important especially if the consumer is to file a complaint and seek redress.
Consumers must always exercise their right to product safety.
