Customs today (April 13) charged a 31-year-old man, the responsible person of a shop in Hung Hom with one count of importing and one count of having in possession for sale purpose goods to each of which a false trade description was applied.
Customs will later summon the shop for committing the like offences, and one count of failing to display the required notice under the Trade Descriptions (Marking) (Gold and Gold Alloy) Order.
The case will be heard at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts on April 19.
During a check on April 6, Customs officers seized from the jewellery shop a total of 1,807 pieces of gold-plated rings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and brooches, each bearing a geographical indication "ITALY". The seized articles had a total selling price of about $1.4 million.
Customs investigations showed that the articles were manufactured in Mainland China instead of in Italy, suspected of contravening the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.
Besides, Customs officers found that the shop had failed to display the required notice under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (Marking) (Gold and Gold Alloy) Order.
Under the Trade Descriptions (Marking) (Gold and Gold Alloy) Order and Trade Descriptions (Marking) (Platinum) Order, gold or platinum articles supplied in the course of trade or business must bear a mark of fineness of gold or platinum content. Gold or platinum articles sold must be accompanied by receipts or invoices showing the description and fineness of the articles. Traders and suppliers are required to display the corresponding notices at the point of supply.
Those who fail to comply with the Orders are liable to a fine of $500,000 and an imprisonment for five years on conviction on indictment.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person selling counterfeit goods or goods with false trade descriptions to a material degree is liable to a maximum fine of $500,000 and an imprisonment for five years.
Customs officers continue to conduct surprise checks on shops targeting visitors. From April 2 until now, they have inspected 49 such shops.
Ends/Friday, April 13, 2007
