Hong Kong Customs recently conducted spot checks in various districts, and ordered two retailers to store 27 suspected unsafe power banks in specified places.
Customs earlier received referral from related organisation that suspected unsafe power banks were being supplied in the market. Customs immediately conducted spot checks in various districts, and ordered two retailers to store 27 suspected unsafe power banks in specified places.
Customs will arrange safety test for the power banks and continue conducting spot checks with a view to protecting consumers' safety.
Under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance (the Ordinance), any person who imports, manufactures or supplies consumer goods that do not comply with the general safety requirement commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years on subsequent conviction.
Customs attaches importance on the safety matters of power banks. In the past three years, Customs conducted over 300 spot checks against power banks and tested 15 samples. One sample was found failing to comply with the flame resistance requirement under the related safety standard and contravening the Ordinance. The related power bank retailer was prosecuted and fined $10,000.
Members of the public with information relating to suspected unsafe power bank may call the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182, or write to the Consumer Protection Bureau, Customs and Excise Department, 14/F, Customs Headquarters Building, 222 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong.
Ends/Thursday, September 14, 2017