NO MARK? DON’T BUY: DTI-6 urges public to buy only certified Christmas lights, fireworks

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Department of Trade and Industry in Western Visayas (DTI-6) is reminding consumers to check for mandatory certification marks when buying Christmas lights and fireworks this holiday season, stressing that uncertified products pose serious safety risks.

In a press conference on Dec. 3, DTI-6 Consumer Protection Division chief Grace Benedicto said Christmas lights remain attractive but potentially dangerous when they fail to meet safety requirements, which is why they fall under mandatory product certification.

She said certified Christmas lights must bear either the Philippine Standard (PS) mark for locally manufactured products or the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) hologram sticker for imported items.

She added that compliant products must also include proper labeling, such as manufacturer details, safety warnings, and usage instructions.

The PS mark features a globe-shaped logo with a unique license number and a scannable code, while some imported products may already bear PS marks under the expanded Philippine Standard licensing scheme, which tests goods in their country of origin before issuing certification.

“If there’s no mark, don’t buy. If in doubt, report it to us so we can verify,” Benedicto said, noting that the same standards apply to online purchases.

She said DTI monitors only product standards—not prices—and that Christmas lights and fireworks have no suggested retail price because they are not covered by the Price Act (RA 7581).

She added that consumers who unknowingly buy uncertified items may request refunds from sellers and report the incident to the DTI.

The agency follows due process for violators, starting with a notice of violation, followed by hearings, administrative fines, and possible product confiscation.

Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Dinda R. Tamayo said DTI-6 is monitoring establishments selling holiday products to ensure compliance.

“For Christmas lights alone, we are monitoring 172 stores in Western Visayas, including Negros Occidental,” Tamayo said.

She said monitoring of fireworks will begin once local government units designate firecracker zones and confirmed that 14 fireworks brands are currently certified compliant with national safety standards.

Assistant Regional Director Mutya Eusores reminded consumers to prioritize safety during holiday celebrations.

“By following precautionary measures, we can enjoy fireworks safely while celebrating the season. We can never compromise safety,” she said.

The agency encouraged the public to report irregularities to any DTI office or through its online platforms and reminded consumers to keep receipts as proof of purchase.