DTI asks media, buyers to report sale of fake Christmas lights

TACLOBAN CITY, Oct. 27 (PNA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has asked the media and consumers to report the sale of substandard Christmas lights.

DTI Eastern Visayas Regional Director Cynthia Nierras cited the role of media and buyers in identifying stores, which are still selling substandard products without or with fake Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers.

“The monitoring committee of DTI is only composed of one or two persons and hence not all establishments can be checked. The media and consumers can encounter substandard Christmas lights and report them directly to DTI,” she added.

Nierras explained that DTI’s issuance of ICC stickers is centralized and they have means of determining the genuine ICC stickers issued by them.

“The monitoring is ongoing and we are still waiting for reports from the provinces about trading of substandard Christmas lights,” she added.

Lanie Cabudoc, 30, a resident of Vasper village, this city, said that she does not buy cheaper Christmas lights because she is uncertain of its quality.

“I always check on the ICC sticker, but it’s not a guarantee that the product is safe. I also inquire with the DTI considering that everything can be counterfeited today.” Cabudoc added.

The DTI warned consumers against substandard Christmas lights since this can cause fire due to electrical malfunctions.

The trade department launched the monitoring of Christmas lights in the market on Sept. 1. (PNA) FPV/SQM/Aldwin John M. Cadayong (OJT)

/EGR