Hong Kong Customs today (April 19) arrested a male director and a salesman of a ginseng and dried seafood shop suspected of engaging in unfair trade practices involving a false trade description in the sale of Herba Dendrobii, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).
Customs earlier received information alleging that a ginseng and dried seafood shop in Tsim Sha Tsui applied a false trade description to goods, claiming that the unit price of Herba Dendrobii was calculated per tael. After the Herba Dendrobii was ground, a salesman of the shop revealed that the goods were priced per mace. After investigation, Customs arrested two men, aged 46 and 38, today. Investigation is ongoing and the arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation.
Customs reminded traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to purchase products from reputable shops. Consumers should also be cautious about the unit price and ask for more information, including the total price of the goods selected, before making a purchase decision.
Under the TDO, any person who applies a false description to any goods, or supplies goods with a false trade description in the course of trade or business, 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 violations of the TDO to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Wednesday, April 19, 2017