The proprietor of a medicine company was convicted today (February 3) at Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts and fined $6,000 for supplying unsafe hot water bottles, in contravention of the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance. The 18 seized hot water bottles were confiscated.
Customs advised members of the public to check hot water bottles carefully before use and stop using them immediately at any sign of damage.
Earlier safety testing by Customs on samples of the hot water bottles concerned with reference to the relevant European Standards indicated that the products could not pass the required safety standard, with bonded seams showing signs of damage during the seam strength tests. In a subsequent investigation conducted at the medicine company, Customs officers seized 18 hot water bottles, which were also confirmed to be unsafe upon further testing by the Government Laboratory.
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/Wednesday, February 3, 2016
