The Customs and Excise Department today (December 19) alerted members of the public to potential hazards posed by several types of dining tables.
Customs officers have recently conducted spot checks on furniture retailers and sent samples of various models of dining tables to an accredited laboratory to test their strength, durability and safety as domestic tables in accordance with the British Standard.
Three types of extendable wooden dining tables and a glass-top dining table failed in the stability tests. During the tests, the wooden tables with the tops extended and the top of the glass table overturned, posing an injury hazard to users, young children in particular.
Customs has taken immediate action to detain a total of six dining tables and prohibit the supply of the products in the market. Investigation is continuing.
A Customs spokesperson said, "To ensure that the consumer goods in the market comply with the general safety requirements under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance, the department will continue to conduct spot checks on retailers and take samples for safety tests. The department will also organise seminars for the trade regularly to promote awareness of consumer goods safety and help them to observe the 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 (1), Customs and Excise Department, 14/F, Customs Headquarters Building, 222 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong.
Ends/Wednesday, December 19 2012
