Hong Kong Customs today (March 15) announced that a total of 22 pieces of two models of suspected unsafe hair dye products have been seized earlier. Members of the public should pay extra care with regards to safety when using such products as prolonged contact with skin or use on damaged scalps may pose potential hazards of skin allergies and inflammation.
Customs earlier received referrals from a related organisation that three models of suspected unsafe hair dye products were being supplied in the market. Customs officers immediately conducted inspections at different districts and successfully test-purchased two models for safety testing.
According to the relevant safety and technical standards for cosmetics, the total bacterial counts of the two models of hair dye products exceeded respectively the maximum permitted limit by about 3.4 and 51 times, whereas their mould and yeast counts had exceeded the maximum permitted limit by about 369 and 429 times, in contravention of the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance (CGSO).
Customs officers later conducted an operation and seized a total of 22 pieces of the two models of suspected unsafe hair dye products from a retailer shop in Causeway Bay and from three branches of another retailer in Quarry Bay, Yau Tong and Tseung Kwan O.
Apart from the retailers connected with the case, Customs officers also conducted spot checks and inspections in various districts. Those three models of products have not been found on sale so far.
An investigation is ongoing.
Customs reminds members of the public to observe the following safety tips when purchasing and using hair dye products:
- Read in detail the instructions for safe use of the products;
- Do not use the products on a damaged scalp;
- Do not let the products contact the eyes;
- If skin allergy or discomfort occurs, rinse with water immediately; and
- Seek medical advice as soon as possible, especially if the symptoms persist or deteriorate.
Customs has been combating consistently the sale of products that fall short of the CGSO. Law enforcement action will be taken immediately if any violation of the CGSO is detected. Customs also reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the CGSO in order to protect the safety of consumers.
Under the CGSO, it is an offence to supply, manufacture or import into Hong Kong consumer goods unless the goods comply with the general safety requirement 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).
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