DTI seizes non-certified, unauthorized Christmas lights, fireworks

MANILA, Philippines —  The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Thursday said that it confiscated in a series unregulated Christmas lights and unlicensed fireworks worth an estimated P247,390 after a series of operations.

According to the DTI, this is the equivalent of 675 units of Christmas lights and 227 pieces of unlicensed fireworks.   

“Upholding consumer safety makes the Holiday celebration brighter; with this, we always remind the consuming public to only buy licensed fireworks and certified Christmas lights that have undergone and passed the DTI testing schemes,” DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said. 

“Enforcement operations net Php 235,505.00 uncertified Christmas lights in the Metro from September to 27 December 2022; and Php11,885.00 unlicensed fireworks in Bocaue, Bulacan, on 27 December 2022,” the DTI said in a statement. 

The DTI said that it monitored over 70 retail establishments and issued 16 notices of violation.

“As part of the due process, the representative of the stores was given 48 hours to provide an explanation related to the findings of non-compliance,” said the DTI.

The DTI reminded the public that Christmas lights should have the Philippine Standard (PS) mark or the Import Commodity Clearance sticker, while fireworks should also have the PS mark. 

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