A retailer was fined $54,000 today (January 18) at Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts for supplying and possessing for sale backpacks and bags with false trade description, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).
Acting on information, Hong Kong Customs conducted a test-buy operation and purchased a backpack from a retailer in October 2016. After investigation, it was revealed that the backpack, claimed to be of a particular brand, was not authorised to be manufactured and supplied, and neither were the 160 backpacks and bags subsequently seized from the retailer. The retailer supplied backpacks and bags with false trade description to mislead customers into believing that they were products of the brand.
Customs reminded traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to procure products at reputable shops.
Under the TDO, any person who supplies goods with a false trade description in the course of trade or business, or is in possession of any goods for sale with a false trade description, commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Members of the public may report any suspected violation of the TDO to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Wednesday, January 18, 2017