The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) today (March 25) alerted members of the public to the potential hazards posed by a swivel armchair and advised them to stop using it for their own safety. Test results indicated that the product could pose a risk of falling for users.
The C&ED collected samples of the product for testing earlier this year. After laboratory testing on its safety, the product was found not to meet the required safety standard as stipulated under the European Standards for strength, stability and safety requirements of office seating. The C&ED found that the seat overturned to the side and to the back respectively during the sideway overbalancing and rearward overbalancing tests. Officers of the C&ED subsequently seized 1 003 pieces of the product from the retailer.
A C&ED spokesman said, "To ensure that the consumer goods in the market comply with general safety requirements under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance, the department conducts spot checks on retailers and draws samples for safety tests. The department also regularly organises seminars for the trade to promote their awareness of consumer goods safety and assist them in observing relevant 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/Wednesday, March 25, 2015
