The Customs and Excise Department today (January 30) alerted members of the public to a potential hazard posed by hot water bottles of seven different models and said that people should stop using them for safety's sake.
After laboratory testing on the safety of samples with reference to the European Standards for the strength and safety requirements of hot water bottles, Customs found that the tested samples could not pass the required safety standard. The bonded seams broke during the seam strength tests. The test results indicated that the goods would possibly pose a potential scalding hazard to users. In a series of operations, Customs officers seized from eight retail and wholesale traders a total of 125 items of the goods.
A Customs spokesman said, "People should stop using the products if in doubt. They should check with the supplier or Customs. To ensure that consumer goods in the market comply with the general safety requirements under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance, the department will continue to conduct spot checks on retailers and draw samples for safety tests. The department will also organise seminars for the trade regularly to promote their awareness of consumer goods safety and help them observe the requirements of the ordinance."
Under the 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 for the offence 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.
To report unsafe consumer goods, please call the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or write to the Consumer Protection Bureau (1), Customs and Excise Department, 14/F, Customs Headquarters Building, 222 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong.
Ends/Friday, January 30, 2015
