People are being warned to be cautious when buying Christmas lights online after two Trade Me members were fined for selling dangerous lights.
Energy Safety, part of the Ministry of Development, said it instantly fined two online sellers for breaking the rules in relation to the supply of electrical products.
``The fines were issued this week to Trade Me members who, despite warnings, continued to sell unsafe Christmas lights,'' Energy Safety compliance officer, Richard Lamb, said.
Mr Lamb said non-compliant Christmas lights were risky because they were often made with inadequate electrical insulation and posed a significant risk of fire or electric shock.
``They are often draped over highly flammable trees and furnishings in offices and family homes,'' Mr Lamb said.
Traders with little product knowledge, using popular online sites, were putting people in danger, he said.
``With Christmas coming, it's timely to remind people to buy from reputable sellers only, who comply with New Zealand electrical safety regulations and can provide evidence on request.''
He encouraged people who had concerns about their Christmas lights to return them to the seller and check they met requirements by asking for a copy of the supplier declaration and a test report.
The seller had the responsibility to make sure any electrical products, new or old, they planned to sell were safe.
Mr Lamb said issuing instant fines was a way to encourage people to sell safe goods as Energy Safe had previously issued warnings with little change in the number of non-compliant products listed online.
It was the first time Energy Safety had issued fines since its regulations were introduced in April this year -- people risk a fine of up to $1000 while businesses can be fined up to $3000.
Trade Me members fined for selling dodgy Chrissy lights
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