X-mas store prosecuted for breaching safety rules

Media Release
3 September 2009

Christmas gift store prosecuted for breaching safety rules

Imports Direct Ltd, a company that imports a range of products, pleaded guilty to breaching the Electricity Regulations in the North Shore District Court on 2 September 2009 and was convicted and fined $600 and $130 costs.

The company operated a temporary gift store on the North Shore before Christmas last year and had intended to sell large quantities of decorative lights.

As part of its programme of safety investigations and audits of electrical products, Energy Safety visited the Imports Direct store in early December last year and found it had failed to establish the electrical safety of the lights it was selling.

Imports Direct appeared to have imported 760 sets of lights and sold 145, for between $15 and $45 per set. Energy Safety’s visit to the store prevented more of these products being sold.

Decorative, Christmas lights are considered high risk items because of the way they are used, such as being draped over trees, furniture and houses.

``Energy Safety pays particular attention to decorative lighting in the build up to Christmas. The good news is that we are seeing less and less poor quality and unsafe lights on the New Zealand market. We intend making sure it stays that way,’’ said Richard Lamb, Energy Safety, Compliance Officer.

Under the Electricity Regulations, suppliers must ensure that these types of lights are adequately tested for electrical safety, and approved, before they are sold. A recognised approval shows that an appliance meets New Zealand’s electrical safety requirements.

``Imports Direct failed to recognise that they have a responsibility to those they sell to.

``It is very important that sellers of electrical goods ensure those goods are safe before they sell them. After all, a good business has a strong customer focus and, one would expect, care about customer welfare.

``The safety rules are in place to protect consumers and encourage good business,’’ said Richard Lamb.

The successful prosecution was taken by Energy Safety, which is part of the Ministry of Economic Development. Imports Direct Ltd breached Electricity Regulations 107(a).

Energy Safety is committed to ensuring the safe supply and use of electricity and gas. It undertakes an ongoing programme of investigations and audits of electrical and gas appliances.

ENDS

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