DTI warns holiday shoppers: Check ICC, PS marks before buying

BAGUIO CITY — To ensure their hard-earned money is well-spent, consumers are once again being reminded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Baguio City–Benguet to make sure the products they buy are legitimate, especially this holiday season.

DTI Provincial Director for Baguio City and Benguet Felicitas Bandonill advised consumers to carefully inspect whether the products they are purchasing—such as fairy lights or Christmas lights—have passed the necessary standards. She said those who have not yet bought Christmas lights should check for the "ICC" mark on imported items, while products manufactured in the Philippines should bear the "PS" mark.

Bandonill said these marks indicate that the lights are safe and help prevent fires that may result from defective products.

She also instructed consumers who discover that a product they purchased is defective to immediately return it to the store for a refund or replacement.

Consumers were further advised to file a complaint with the DTI Baguio–Benguet office if the seller refuses to accept or replace the damaged product.

Meanwhile, Bandonill said the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) for Noche Buena products has been published on the DTI Baguio–Benguet Facebook page. She assured the public that the office conducts monthly monitoring of product prices in Baguio City and Benguet province.