​Hong Kong Customs today (January 16) alerted members of the public to potential scalding hazards posed by two models of hot water bottles.
Customs earlier conducted a test-buy operation on nine models of hot water bottles from retailers in the market for safety testing according to relevant European standards. Test results revealed that the seams of two models of hot water bottles could break and pose a risk of scalding.
Prohibition notices were served on the retailers concerned, prohibiting the continued sale of the relevant hot water bottles. Investigation is ongoing.
Customs reminds members of the public to observe the following safety tips when using hot water bottle products:
Customs has been committed to the protection of consumer interests and regularly conducts spot checks and safety tests on consumer goods to ensure that they are reasonably safe for use by consumers.
Under the Consumer Goods Safety 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 upon conviction 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.
Members of the public with information relating to unsafe consumer goods may make a report via Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Thursday, January 16, 2020
