The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) seized 169 tubes of hand cream, named "Yunfuhon", suspected of infringing the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO) in a series of raids on five drug stores and a warehouse conducted from November 9 to 11. Eight men and two women, aged between 29 and 56, including suppliers, drug store proprietors and shop assistants, were arrested.
Acting on reports about drug stores suspected of selling hand cream with false descriptions, Customs officers carried out investigations and a sample of the hand cream was tested by the Government Laboratory. Test results revealed that the hand cream did not contain any urea as claimed in the product description on its box.
Customs officers then raided five drug stores in Yaumatei, Tseung Kwan O, Tsuen Wan and Causeway Bay and a warehouse in San Po Kong and seized 169 tubes of hand cream suspected of infringing the TDO.
The C&ED attaches importance to the fight against activities contravening the TDO. The department will take rigorous enforcement action to crack down on sales of fake or falsely described goods in the market.
Customs appeals to retailers and shop owners to beware of any unknown source of goods. Under the TDO, it is a criminal offence to sell or supply goods with false trade descriptions to a material degree. The maximum penalty upon conviction is imprisonment for five years and a fine of $500,000.
Any person who comes across any information or activities on selling of suspected falsely described goods should report it to Customs by calling the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Friday, November 13, 2009
