BACOLOD City – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) here has issued a stern warning to local business establishments to cease selling substandard Christmas lights or face penalties under Republic Act 7394, also known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines.
The law mandates establishments to secure Philippine Standard (PS) or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) certifications for electrical products, including Christmas lights. Violators can face fines ranging from P25,000 to P300,000, depending on the severity of the offense.
On December 4, Fire Officer 2 Paul Servano, public information officer of BFP-Bacolod, announced that a joint inspection was conducted by the BFP, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Business Process and Licensing Office (BPLO), and Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO).
The inspection targeted business establishments in the downtown area to crack down on the sale of uncertified Christmas lights.
Of the six establishments inspected, two were found selling Christmas lights without the required PS marks or ICC stickers. The non-compliant products were immediately removed from shelves, and the establishments received warnings to comply with safety standards.
“The inspection aims to ensure that Christmas lights being sold meet safety requirements to protect consumers and prevent fire incidents,” Servano said.
He added that inspections will continue across the city to cover more businesses.
According to BFP records, Bacolod City logged 23 fire incidents in December 2023, many of which were caused by faulty electrical decorations. The ongoing inspection campaign seeks to minimize such incidents this holiday season.
The DTI has also intensified its campaign against substandard Christmas lights to raise public awareness of the dangers of using non-compliant products. These include risks of electrical fires, shocks, and malfunctions.
“Strict adherence to PS and ICC certifications guarantees that products meet safety standards,” Servano said. “Our goal is to make the holiday season safe and joyful for everyone.”
The BFP and DTI urged businesses and consumers to prioritize safety by choosing certified products and ensuring proper use of electrical decorations./PN
