The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) today (November 13) alerted members of the public on the potential hazards posed by a folding stool and advised them to stop using it for safety's sake. Test results indicated that the product could pose a risk of falling to users.
The C&ED recently collected samples of the product for testing. The legs of the samples were found to be permanently deformed during sideways static load tests on the legs. Therefore, the samples did not meet the required safety standard as stipulated under the European Standards for domestic seating. The C&ED has already served a prohibition notice on the retailer prohibiting it from supplying the product.
A C&ED spokesman said, "To ensure that the consumer goods in the market comply with the general safety requirements under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance, the department conducts spot checks on retailers and takes samples for safety tests. The department also regularly organises seminars for the trade to promote their awareness of consumer goods safety and assists 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, Customs and Excise Department, 14/F, Customs Headquarters Building, 222 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong.
Ends/Friday, November 13, 2015
