Moldovan consumers protection agency says artificial Christmas trees must be qualitative, safe

Chisinau, 23 December /MOLDPRES/ – Before the most anticipated holidays of the year – Christmas and New Year's Eve, the Consumer Protection and Market Surveillance Agency (APCSP) comes with some recommendations for the purchase of artificial Christmas trees. Firstly, the consumers are warned to avoid questionable quality products.

According to APCSP's specialists, the buyers should take care that the fir base is straight and has sufficient stability to support the weight of artificial tree.

"Some polymeric materials contain substances that can cause allergies with adverse reactions. The material of a lower quality fir can eliminate, especially under the influence of light and candles, harmful chemicals. In this regard, make sure that the specific persistent odour of chemicals is not present”, stated sources from Consumer Protection Agency.

Similarly, it is welcome to purchase fire – resistant or non – burning artificial fir trees. Also, there must be observed some rules when purchasing toys, avoiding including those made of broken material or glass, to prevent possible incidents.

"If the seller declares that he offers a long – term guarantee for the Christmas tree, then there must be request the release of guarantee ticket, specifying the term. Keep the voucher issued by the merchant to confirm the purchase (including the guarantee certificate)”, warns the cited sources.

For those who prefer to celebrate natural Christmas trees, the Moldsilva Agency have put for sale over 50,000 conifers this year. In the forest enterprises subordinated to it, the price of pine starts from MDL 56/m. the spruce can be purchased from MDL 44/m, and those who opt for compositions will pay from MDL 08/piece. For trees with a height of over 06 m, it is established a supplement of MDL 100.00 for each metre (spruce) and MDL 70.00 (pine), which is added to the mentioned prices. Compared to previous years, the respective prices, starting at MDL 36/m, have increased, but, according to Moldsilva, "these are insignificant increases, dictated by market".

The sources of Moldsilva Agency have explained that in order to keep the Christmas Tree fresh as long as possible, it is advisable to pour sweetened water in the pot where it is placed the conifer. Also, the main symbol of winter holidays is to be kept as far away as possible from heating sources.