The Department of Trade and Industry in Western Visayas (DTI-6) has advised consumers to be cautious in purchasing Christmas lights.

DTI-6 Consumer Protection Division head Judith Degala encouraged shoppers to look for the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) or Philippine Standard (PS) markings prior to purchasing the lights.

Consumers can also download and use the ICC verification system on smartphones to ensure the markings in the Christmas lights they are trying to purchase are authentic, Degala added.

She also tipped buyers to avail their Christmas lights from legitimate sellers only to guarantee safety.

Degala added it is the local government unit’s responsibility to regulate the sale of Christmas lights, such as those sold by street vendors./DGB, WDJ