Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 27) seized 542 electric kettles with suspected false trade descriptions from an electrical appliances retail chain and its supplier, with an estimated market value of about $80,000. Two persons were arrested in the case.
Customs earlier received information alleging that an electric kettle, purchased from an electrical appliances retail chain, was labelled as "SUS 304" stainless steel, but its actual material did not match the claim.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers test-purchased the model of the electric kettle from the retailer, and sent the samples to an accredited laboratory for examination. The test results revealed that it was not "SUS 304" stainless steel, which was inconsistent with the claim.
Customs then mounted an enforcement action yesterday and searched the branches and storehouses of the retailer and the storehouses of its supplier. The electric kettles with suspected false trade descriptions were seized.
During the operation, a 30-year-old male manager of the retailer and a 63-year-old male director of the supplier were arrested.
An investigation is ongoing.
Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO) and consumers to purchase products at reputable shops.
Under the TDO, any person who supplies goods with a false trade description in the course of trade or business, or is in possession of any goods for sale with a false trade description, commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Members of the public may report any suspected violation of the TDO to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, October 28, 2022
