ILOILO — In a major boost to consumer safety this holiday season, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced that all Christmas lights inspected across Western Visayas passed mandatory product standards, following an extensive region-wide sweep of 172 stores selling 43 brands of lighting products.
The findings — considered one of the region’s strongest compliance results in years — come as the influx of holiday shoppers heightens risks associated with substandard lights and unsafe fireworks.
“We encourage consumers to always choose certified and properly marked Christmas lights for a safe and worry-free holiday celebration,” said Grace Benedicto, chief of DTI Region 6’s Consumer Protection Division.
DTI-6 said its monitoring revealed zero violators: 35 brands bore valid Philippine Standard (PS) licenses, while 8 brands carried Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) certificates, all with proper markings under Philippine National Standards (PNS) 189:2000. The result, the agency said, indicates improved industry adherence and increased market availability of compliant products.
PS, ICC marks
DTI-6 reiterated that Christmas lights — classified as lighting chains — are among products requiring mandatory certification.
“These marks indicate that the products have undergone thorough safety screening,” Benedicto said, referring to the PS and ICC labels printed or attached on packaging.
She stressed that even online shoppers must verify these indicators to avoid purchasing unsafe, uncertified items.
The PS mark appears as a circular logo with a license number, while ICC stickers for imported sets feature a hologram that must not be scratched or damaged.
DTI reminded consumers that only lighting sets rated up to 250V, LED- or filament-type sets, and products marked “for indoor/outdoor use” fall under certification. Battery-operated and solar-powered lights, rope lights, neon lights, and built-in lighting sets are exempt.
Fireworks sellers also under close watch
Alongside Christmas lights monitoring, DTI-6 also intensified oversight on fireworks — another major holiday safety concern — stressing that only 14 licensed fireworks brands are allowed in the Philippines, each required to display a PS Mark and license number.
DTI detailed the three hazard classifications:
* Class 1: very low hazard, confined-area use
* Class 2: low hazard, low noise, outdoor use in smaller spaces
* Class 3: medium hazard, outdoor use in large open areas
Fireworks packaging must include warnings, usage instructions, hazard class, manufacturer details, and “Made in the Philippines.”
Avoid unsafe products, compare prices
DTI issued precautionary measures for fireworks use, including reading instructions, maintaining safe distances, wearing protective clothing, and keeping water nearby.
The agency also clarified that prices of Christmas lights and fireworks are unregulated, as these items are not covered by the Price Act — meaning retail prices vary widely depending on brand and demand. DTI encouraged consumers to compare prices across outlets.
Public urged to stay vigilant
By intensifying market monitoring and stressing certification compliance, DTI-6 hopes to reduce fire incidents and electrical hazards during the peak holiday period.
“This proactive initiative aims to minimize hazards associated with substandard products and foster a joyful and secure celebration for everyone,” the agency said./PN
