ILIGAN CITY (PIA)--As the Christmas season gradually glides simply because the “ber” months have already started, establishments nowadays offer Christmas lights and Filipino consumers are beginning to buy these to add life to their house decors.

It is on this merry-making time that the Department of Trade and Industry – Lanao del Norte Provincial Office cautions anew consumers as well as retailers to be vigilant in buying and selling Christmas lights.

They are urged to ensure that these Christmas lights have undergone a product certification scheme thru the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS). This can be done by checking if the said product has an affixed valid PS (Product Standard) mark or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker as well as appropriate label or marking.

The consumers and retailers are also enjoined to refer to the necessary PS license or ICC certificate. This authentic license/certificate can be secured from the legitimate manufacturer/importer of Christmas lights.

Christmas lights are considered one of the mandatory products by the BPS. Mandatory products are consumer goods that pose or could affect life, health, environment, property, and safety. And for Christmas lights, it would endanger people's lives and properties thru fire and/or electrocution when the wires, plug, bulbs, insulating materials, and other components are substandard.

Manufacturers, importers, and retailers found not complying with the scheme will be filed administrative charges for violation of the DTI Department Administrative Order (DAO) 2:2007; Republic Act (RA) 7394, otherwise known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines; and RA 4109 or the Standards Law. If found guilty, the owners/operators of erring establishments will be imposed with a monetary fine of up to P300,000 and cancellation of any DTI-issued permit or license. (DTI Lanao del Norte)