The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) launched an operation code-named "Eagle Eye" today (April 27) to enhance consumer protection for tourists during the Labour Day Golden Week period.
The Deputy Head of the Trade Descriptions Investigation Bureau, Ms Josephine Au, and the Divisional Commander of the Unfair Trade Practice Investigation, Mr Lai Ka-lok, said that during the operation, the C&ED would step up patrols at shopping spots for tour groups, dried seafood and ginseng shops as well as jewellery shops in tourist shopping areas such as Yau Ma Tei, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. The C&ED will also remind retail shops and workers of the tourist industry to abide by the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO). Furthermore, a Quick Response Team of the C&ED will attend to short-stay visitors' urgent cases pertaining to unfair trade practices.
According to the TDO, any trader who adopts unfair trade practices, including making false trade descriptions in relation to goods, misleading omission, aggressive commercial practices as well as "bait and switch" commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Customs also reminds shoppers that they should have a full understanding of a product's specifications before purchase. They should do price comparisons and patronise shops with good reputation. They are also reminded to check carefully the price and unit of measurement before making payment and retain a receipt after purchase.
Members of the public may report suspected violations of the TDO to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Thursday, April 27, 2017
