Hong Kong Customs today (October 6) alerted members of the public to the potential hazards posed by two models of external power bank and advised them to stop using them for safety's sake. Test results indicated that these external power banks could pose a fire risk.
Customs officers recently conducted spot checks and test-bought external power banks for product safety tests. The results revealed that two models of external power bank failed the enclosure fire resistance test and short-circuiting test. Therefore the products did not comply with the relevant international product safety standard. Customs officers subsequently seized from five retailers 29 external power banks of the two models and served prohibition notices on five retailers and two distributors, prohibiting the continued sale of the products.
Under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance, it is an offence to supply, manufacture or import into Hong Kong consumer goods unless the goods comply with the general safety requirements for consumer goods. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and $500,000 and imprisonment for two years on subsequent conviction.
From time to time Customs officers conduct spot checks and test-purchases to ensure that consumer goods supplied in Hong Kong are in compliance with the general safety requirement.
Customs reminds traders to abide by the requirements set out in the Ordinance and members of the public should not purchase or use external power banks of unknown source.
Members of the public with information relating to suspected unsafe consumer goods 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/Friday, October 6, 2017
