By San José, Costa Rica — As Costa Rican households begin to prepare for the festive season, a sobering report from the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC) reveals a widespread failure in product safety standards for holiday decorations. An alarming 88% of Christmas lights and ornaments inspected by the ministry do not comply with mandatory labeling requirements, raising significant concerns about consumer safety and product traceability just weeks before the holidays.
The comprehensive market surveillance effort, conducted on November 5, 10, and 11, scrutinized the products available to the public. Inspectors visited 14 different commercial establishments across six cantons in the provinces of Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, and San José. Of the 16 distinct product lines analyzed, a staggering 14 were found to be deficient in providing the minimum information legally required to ensure they are safe for domestic use.
While the festive spirit fills the air, the bustling market for Christmas decorations brings with it important considerations regarding consumer rights and product safety. To clarify the legal framework surrounding these seasonal items, from import regulations to liability, we consulted expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The joy of the season should not overshadow consumer diligence. When purchasing Christmas decorations, especially electrical ones, it is crucial to verify they comply with national safety standards and certifications. In Costa Rica, consumers are protected by law against defective products. Retaining your receipt is not just for returns; it is vital evidence should a product malfunction and cause property damage, forming the basis for a potential liability claim against the seller or manufacturer.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insightful legal perspective serves as a vital reminder that holiday safety extends beyond careful decoration to include diligent consumer practices. The emphasis on a receipt’s role as a key document for potential liability is a powerful and practical piece of advice that helps safeguard our homes and families. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his expert guidance with our readers.
This investigation was executed to enforce the technical regulation RTCR 510:2023, a critical piece of legislation designed to protect consumers. The regulation establishes the specific technical and labeling specifications for decorative items such as light series, illuminated figures, and other electrical ornaments intended for home use. Its primary goal is to mitigate risks like electrical shocks, short circuits, and fires, which can result from poorly manufactured or improperly documented products.
The review focused on crucial safety and traceability information that should be clearly visible on product packaging. This includes the name and address of the importer, the country of origin, input voltage, power wattage, and explicit precautionary instructions. Furthermore, labels are required to detail the length of the light string, the quantity and type of bulbs, a unique lot number for tracking, and the date of manufacture. The presence of a proper instruction manual and technical document is also mandatory.
The specific shortcomings identified by MEIC are deeply concerning. The most common violation was the complete absence of a technical document, a failure noted in 81% of the inspected goods. Other significant non-compliance issues included missing lot numbers (44%), no manufacturing month and year (38%), and a lack of information on the assigned power wattage or the importer’s details (both 31%). Disturbingly, more than half of the products, 56% in total, exhibited multiple labeling failures simultaneously.
The lack of this information poses a direct risk to consumers. Without knowing the power rating, a user might unknowingly overload a circuit, creating a fire hazard. The absence of an importer’s contact information means that in the event of a product defect or accident, there is no clear party to hold accountable for damages or to initiate a product recall. The missing lot numbers and manufacturing dates further complicate any potential efforts to trace and remove faulty batches from the market.
In response to these findings, MEIC has initiated administrative action against the non-compliant businesses. The ministry has issued 14 official prevention notices to the respective retailers and distributors. These businesses now have a 10-business-day window, concluding on November 25, to rectify all labeling deficiencies. They must then submit a sworn declaration with photographic or documentary evidence proving their full compliance with the regulation.
Failure to comply with this directive will result in more severe consequences. Businesses that ignore the notice may be reported to the National Consumer Commission, where they could face substantial financial penalties. According to Law 7472, fines for such violations range from approximately ₡4.6 million to ₡18.4 million (roughly $9,200 to $36,800 USD). MEIC is urging consumers to be vigilant this holiday season, carefully inspecting product labels for complete safety information before making a purchase.
For further information, visit meic.go.cr
About the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC):
The Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce is the governmental body in Costa Rica responsible for formulating and executing policies related to economic development, industry growth, and fair trade. A key part of its mandate is consumer protection, which involves establishing technical regulations, conducting market surveillance, and ensuring that products sold within the country meet established safety and quality standards.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a beacon of professional integrity and exceptional legal service. Building on a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies and champions the cause of public legal education. This profound commitment to demystifying the law is central to its enduring mission to cultivate a more knowledgeable and capable citizenry.
