A scrap trader was fined $4,000 today (September 23) at Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts for using a defective electronic platform scale for trade, in contravention of the Weights and Measures Ordinance (WMO). The electronic platform scale concerned was also confiscated by the court.
Hong Kong Customs earlier received information alleging that a scrap trader in Ngau Chi Wan used an inaccurate electronic platform scale to weigh scrap paper.
A subsequent examination by an accredited laboratory confirmed that the electronic platform scale was defective so that the weight shown was 10 to 25 per cent less than its actual weight.
Under the WMO, any person who uses for trade, or has in his possession for use for trade, any weighing or measuring equipment which is false or defective commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $20,000.
Customs reminds traders to observe the requirements under the WMO when supplying any goods by weight or measure.
Members of the public may report any suspected violations of the WMO to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
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