• The Trade Inspection has reservations about light fittings (e.g. desk lamps or chandeliers) such as structural defects and incorrect labelling.
• In the second quarter of 2019, the Trade Inspection checked 192 of such products.
• Many irregularities can be spotted with the naked eye, which is why consumers should be vigilant when shopping.

In the second quarter of 2019, the Trade Inspection investigated 192 light fittings, i.e. various types of lamps. The investigation covered stores, supermarkets and wholesalers in 10 provinces, a total of 54 entrepreneurs. Inspectors had reservations about as many as 91 products (47.4%). This is more than a year ago. In more than half of the cases the manufacturer’s or importer’s name was missing, slightly less than half of products had incomplete information about safe use, or none at all. In some cases, there was no declaration of conformity or it was incorrectly drafted.

Ten fittings were checked in a laboratory. In nine cases the product misfeasance was found, such as insufficient insulation, inadequate protection of cables against damage or lack of temperature resistance.

Many entrepreneurs voluntarily removed formal irregularities. In 15 cases, the Trade Inspection issued decisions on prohibiting products from entering the market because they did not meet the requirements or posed a threat.

Advice for consumers

• Check if a lamp or chandelier is CE marked as the CE marking is the manufacturer’s declaration that the product meets legal requirements and thus is safe.
• The product, user manual, warranty card or other documentation should be provided with the name, model, serial number, manufacturer’s or importer’s details.
• Check on the light fittings what type of light source fits it and what its maximum power is.
• Before buying any product, check if it is not damaged and make sure that the cables and switches are well fitted and that the fitting is stable.
• Indoor lamps cannot be mounted outside – use them in accordance with their intended purpose.
• If you have doubts about purchases, please contact the Trade Inspection.
• If the product is defective, file a complaint.
• Do not be influenced by the price of the lamp. Bear in mind that the amount and type of the required light sources greatly affect operating costs.

Consumer service:

Phone: 801 440 220 or 22 290 89 16 – consumer helpline
E-mail: porady@dlakonsumentow.pl
Consumers’ ombudsmen – in your town or district
Regional Consumer Centres: 22 299 60 90 – Dlakonsumenta.pl
Provincial Inspectorates od the Trade Inspection

Additional information for the media:

UOKiK Press Office
Pl. Powstańców Warszawy 1, 00-950 Warszawa, Poland
Phone +48 695 902 088, +48 22 55 60 246
E-mail: biuroprasowe@uokik.gov.pl
Twitter: @UOKiKgovPL