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Hong Kong Customs said today (April 4) it attached great importance to upholding consumer protection, and would follow up any alleged contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance by shops targeting visitors.
As spot checks were stepped up, Hong Kong Customs visited one shop in To Kwa Wan selling jewellery to Mainland visitors, and another at Kowloon Bay, to detect any irregularities under the ordinance.
While the shops were found to have displayed notices as required under the Trade Descriptions (Marking) (Gold and Gold Alloy) Order and the Trade Descriptions (Marking) (Platinum) Order, Customs officers took away some necklaces and bracelets from the shops for testing of the accuracy of fineness marked thereon by the Government Laboratory.
Customs officers reminded operators of their legal liability under the ordinance.
Any person who breaches the Trade Descriptions Ordinance will be subject to criminal prosecution. The maximum penalty is a fine of $500,000 and five years’imprisonment.
Ends/Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:18
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