An electronics supplier and an electronics retail shop were convicted and fined $10,000 and $5,000 respectively on May 24 and today (July 19) at Eastern Magistrates' Court for supplying an alarm clock with a false trade description, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).
Hong Kong Customs earlier received information alleging that an electronics retail shop claimed a type of alarm clock it sold via an online trading platform offered options of self-selected music, radio channel programmes and a buzzer as a wake-up alarm.
Investigation revealed that the supplier in the case claimed the function in the course of trade. However, the alarm clock did not have the function, which is different from the declared trade description.
Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of 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 violations of the TDO to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Wednesday, July 19, 2017