The local office of the Department of Trade and Industry is keeping a close watch on the sale of uncertified electrical products, particularly lamps and related items, in stores in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental.

This was after the DTI-Negros Occidental Trade and Industry Regulatory Division, headed by Max Ravena, reported the violations of four establishments before the DTI Regional Office 6 late last month.

Among the items sold by the establishments were uncertified Christmas lights and compact fluorescent lamps, records show.

The DTI-Bureau of Product Standards regulates products which should bear the Philippine Standard or Import Commodity Clearance mark to ensure product reliability and safety use. In August last year, DTI-BPS issued a list of regulated products under mandatory product certification and its corresponding standard document.

Under the BPS Product Certification Scheme, manufacturers and importers of Christmas lights and CFLs are required to have their products tested based on the relevant Philippine National Standard at the BPS Testing Center or any accredited laboratory of the Philippine Accreditation Office, before its sale.

When a product passes the safety and quality requirements of the standard, BPS issues the PS License or the ICC certificate to the manufacturer or importer. With the PS License or the ICC certificate, a manufacturer or an importer is then authorized to affix the PS or ICC mark in their products.

BPS Director Jesus Motoomull said in a press statement that their bureau supports the monitoring and enforcement activities of the DTI regional and provincial offices and sustains its intensified market operations.

The aim is to rid local markets of substandard products and protect the interests of consumers and legitimate businesses, he said.

Motoomull said consumers should be vigilant and buy only BPS-certified products to get their money's worth, and to avoid risks posed by substandard products.*NLG

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