DTI New Year's Eve 2025 Safety Guide: 7 Crucial Consumer Tips For Certified Fireworks And Holiday Spending

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines is once again at the forefront of consumer protection and safety as the nation prepares for the New Year's Eve 2025 celebrations. As of December 2025, the DTI has intensified its campaign, urging Filipino consumers to prioritize safety by strictly purchasing only certified and compliant holiday products, particularly fireworks and firecrackers, to prevent injuries and ensure a safe start to the new year. This advisory is critical, as the tradition of loud and colorful New Year’s revelry often sees a spike in the sale of potentially hazardous, uncertified items. The DTI’s efforts are focused on ensuring that all products meet the mandatory Philippine National Standards (PNS). The annual DTI New Year's Eve campaign is a vital part of the government's comprehensive effort to minimize firecracker-related incidents, which historically peak during the transition from the old year to the new. Beyond fireworks, the DTI also plays a crucial role in monitoring the prices of Noche Buena and Media Noche (New Year's Eve feast) products, releasing a comprehensive price guide to protect consumers from overpricing and ensure fair trade practices during the entire holiday season. This guide outlines the essential steps every consumer must take to have a safe, compliant, and budget-friendly celebration.

The 7 Pillars of DTI's New Year's Eve 2025 Consumer Advisory

The Department of Trade and Industry's Consumer Protection Group (CPG) is the primary body responsible for enforcing product standards and safeguarding consumer welfare during the holiday rush. For the New Year's Eve 2025 celebration, the DTI’s key advisories revolve around product certification, pricing, and consumer rights. Adhering to these guidelines is not just recommended—it is a mandatory step for a responsible and safe celebration.

1. Only Purchase Products with the PS or ICC Mark

The most important directive from the DTI concerns product certification. Consumers are strictly advised to only buy fireworks and firecrackers that bear either the Philippine Standard (PS) mark or the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker. These marks are the DTI's assurance that the product has undergone rigorous quality and safety testing and is compliant with the mandatory Philippine National Standards (PNS). * PS Mark: Indicates that the product was manufactured locally and has passed DTI's safety and quality requirements. * ICC Sticker: Indicates that the imported product has been inspected, tested, and cleared for distribution in the Philippines. The DTI emphasizes that buying uncertified fireworks, often sold at lower prices in unauthorized stalls, poses a significant risk of injury, including loss of limbs, blindness, or even death.

2. Consult the Official List of Certified Fireworks

To make compliance easier, the DTI releases an official, up-to-date list of certified fireworks and firecrackers. This list is a dynamic document and consumers should check the DTI's official website or social media channels for the latest version. This list includes specific product names, manufacturers, and the corresponding PS or ICC certificate numbers. Key Certified Firework Entities (Examples of categories monitored by DTI): * Pailaw (Pyrotechnic Devices): Such as Sparklers, Roman Candles, Fountain, and Luces. * Paputok (Firecrackers): Such as Whistle Bomb, Triangulo, and Super Lolo (though many powerful firecrackers are already banned). * Aerial Pyrotechnics: Such as Rockets and Sky Lanterns (subject to local government restrictions). The DTI regularly conducts surprise inspections, known as "Oplan Diskwento" or compliance monitoring, to ensure retailers are not selling prohibited or uncertified items.

3. Be Aware of Prohibited Firecrackers and Pyrotechnic Devices

The DTI works closely with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to enforce the list of prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices. While the DTI certifies the quality of legal items, the PNP enforces the ban on dangerous and oversized firecrackers. Products that are banned typically include those with excessive gunpowder content or those that are crudely made, such as the infamous 'Super Lolo,' 'Pillbox,' and 'Goodbye Philippines'. Consumers must be aware that even if an item has a PS mark, it must still comply with local government ordinances, which may impose firecracker bans or designate community fireworks display areas.

DTI's Role in Holiday Price Monitoring and Consumer Rights

Beyond product safety, the DTI is a crucial guardian of economic fairness, particularly concerning the prices of essential goods consumed during the *Media Noche* (New Year's Eve dinner) and the broader holiday season. This focus on price monitoring is essential for protecting the purchasing power of every Filipino family.

4. Consult the Noche Buena Price Guide for Media Noche

Although the DTI's Noche Buena Price Guide (for Christmas Eve) is released in November, it remains the standard reference for essential holiday commodities leading up to and including New Year's Eve. This guide lists the Suggested Retail Prices (SRPs) for common holiday items. Key Media Noche and Holiday Entities Monitored: * Canned Goods: Canned Ham, Fruit Cocktail, Condensed Milk, Evaporated Milk. * Noodles and Pasta: Spaghetti Pasta, Spaghetti Sauce. * Desserts: Cheese, Mayonnaise, All-purpose Cream. * Beverages: Coffee, Chocolate Drinks. The DTI advises consumers to compare prices using the guide and to report retailers who sell above the SRP, a practice known as profiteering. This proactive measure ensures fair competition and protects consumers from price gouging during peak demand.

5. Know Your Consumer Rights: The "No Return, No Exchange" Policy

The DTI strictly enforces the Consumer Act of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 7394), which clarifies the "No Return, No Exchange" policy. Sellers cannot post signs that say "No Return, No Exchange" for defective products. If a product purchased for the New Year's celebration (e.g., a new appliance, a food item, or a toy) is defective, the consumer has the right to: * Have the product replaced. * Have the product repaired. * Receive a refund for the purchase price. The DTI reminds consumers to always keep their official receipt, which serves as the best proof of transaction and is essential for filing any consumer complaint.

6. The Importance of Proper Labeling and Clear Information

Product labeling is a critical focus for the DTI, especially for food and beverages consumed during the New Year's feast. All products must have clear, accurate, and truthful labeling. Consumers should check for the following: * Expiration Date: Crucial for perishable goods like ham, dairy, and canned items. * Net Weight or Content: To ensure the quantity matches the price paid. * Complete Manufacturer Details: For traceability in case of a product recall or defect. * Warning Labels: Especially important for fireworks, which must include clear instructions and warnings about safe use.

7. Filing a Consumer Complaint with DTI

Should a consumer encounter a problem—such as an uncertified firework, a defective product, or a retailer selling above the SRP—the DTI encourages immediate action. Consumers can file a complaint with the DTI Provincial or Regional Office where the transaction took place. The DTI Consumer Protection Group (CPG) is equipped to mediate disputes and impose penalties on non-compliant businesses. By being vigilant and reporting violations, consumers become partners with the DTI in enforcing product quality and fair trade laws, ensuring that the New Year's Eve 2025 celebration is safe and worry-free for everyone.