Business Update

Company prosecuted for attempting to sell unsafe Christmas lights

In November 2007, Energy Safety undertook a targeted programme of surveillance of decorative lighting outfits (Christmas lights) in the build up to Christmas.

Prohibited decorative lights were found being offered for sale at street markets, small retailers, on-line and at traditional auctions in November 2007.  At the time traders were given warnings and lights were withdrawn from the market, with over 1,000 sets removed from members of on-line auction sites. 

The wholesale company had not checked for the appropriate approval before they attempted to supply the New Zealand market.  Of greater concern, was that some of the Christmas light sets were prohibited, effectively banned, from being offered onto the New Zealand market.

Energy Safety stopped the sale of the lights before they were able to be sold to consumers.

Energy Safety is pleased with this conviction. It sends a message to companies supplying electrical products that they need to establish and ensure safety before supply.

• Media release
• Types of electrical appliances and fittings that require approval before being offered for sale
• Prohibited Electrical Appliance - Decorative Lighting Outfit