Hong Kong Customs arrested a person-in-charge of an electronic and computer products supplier yesterday (June 6), who was suspected of supplying external power banks with a false trade description, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).
During a follow-up investigation of another case involving suspected violation of the Ordinance, Customs alleged that the actual electric capacity of three models of external power banks was inconsistent with what was claimed.
Afterwards, Customs officers sent three samples to an accredited laboratory for testing. The results revealed that the electric capacity of the three samples are 5250.4mAh, 5311.6mAh and 7599.2mAh, which is about 20 per cent to 30 per cent less than the claimed electric capacity.
Customs officers then took enforcement action yesterday and arrested a man-in-charge, aged 35, of the supplier involved in the case.
No potential safety risks have been detected in the three samples. The case is still under investigation. The arrested person has been released on bail pending further investigation, and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO. Also, consumers are reminded to purchase products from reputable shops and to have a clear knowledge of the product details before purchase.
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) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Ends/Friday, June 7, 2024
