The Bureau of Product Standards (BPS), the national standards body authorized to enforce and promote Philippine National Standards (PNS) attached with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is looking at the adoption of standards for Christmas lanterns or the famous Filipino “parol” to help local manufacturers produce globally competitive lanterns.
In a DTI statement Friday, Nov. 18, BPS Director Neil Catajay explained that the aim is not to regulate the “parol” products in the country but to help local manufacturers produce globally-competitive products and facilitate export of Filipino-made lanterns to international markets.
Catajay also shared that the BPS is already coordinating with the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for possible adoption of their standards for Christmas lanterns or “parol”.
The PS) Quality mark and ICC sticker serve as the consumers' guide and assurance that what they purchase are certified quality and safety products conforming to the relevant PNS.
The planned adoption of standards for “parol” came as DTI released the list of certified Christmas lights to remind consumers to buy only those with Philippine Standard mark or the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker for their Christmas decorations as Christmas day comes closer for their safety.
Christmas lights are one of the 111 products currently under the DTI-BPS list of products under mandatory certification (complete list at www.bps.dti.gov.ph). To serve as guide for consumers, the DTI-BPS has released the list of DTI-certified Christmas lights as of 09 November 2022.
List of Valid PS Certification Mark License Issued for Christmas Lights https://tinyurl.com/PSChristmasLights2022
List of ICC Certificates and Stickers Issued for Christmas Lights https://tinyurl.com/ICCChristmasLights2022
On the most recent episode of Konsyumer At Iba Pa (KATBP) in Super Radyo DZBB last Nov. 12, 2022, Catajay underscored that the first thing consumers must look for when buying Christmas lights is the certification mark, either the PS mark or ICC sticker, as proof that the products have undergone the BPS certification process.
BPS Standards Conformity Division’s OIC-Asst. Chief Engr. Leah Ann Arella also explained the difference between the PS mark and the ICC sticker. She said that the PS License and the authority to use the PS mark are granted to manufacturers after successfully complying with the factory audit and product testing. Meanwhile, the ICC and the corresponding ICC stickers are issued to importers on a per shipment per Bill of Lading/Airway Bill basis after product inspection and testing.
Engr. Arella also mentioned that consumers may verify the authenticity of the ICC stickers they may find on Christmas lights packaging through the ICC Sticker Verification App that may be downloaded via Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
For those who will be reusing Christmas lights from last year, DTI has reminded consumers to carefully inspect the plug and cord of the lighting set for brittle and dented parts as the insulation material made of PVC plastic deteriorates over time.
If stored Christmas lights can still be used but have burnt out bulbs, replace the burnt bulbs before using.
Check the manufacturer’s instruction regarding the advisable number of connected sets of Christmas lights. If possible, plug each Christmas lights set directly to the electrical outlet.
Do not overload electrical outlets. Too many plugs in one outlet may overheat the outlet and may start fire. Do not leave Christmas lights turned on overnight.
Do not use nails, thumb tacks, and wire staples when hanging Christmas lights as these may damage its parts and create fire hazards. Use light hangers instead which are available in hardware and home stores.
Finally, DTI urged consumers to read carefully the instructions on the packaging and/or the manuals of Christmas lights provided by the manufacturer.