The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Monday, October 15, 2018 is 105.3 (down 0.1 against last Saturday’s index).
The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Saturday, October 13, 2018 was 105.4 (up 0.2 against last Friday’s index).
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​The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) today (October 15) uploaded to its departmental webpage smart consumer tips and reminded members of the public on points to note in reporting cases related to the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).
The aim of the information is to promote smart shopping. It serves to enhance public awareness of consumer rights and understanding of the department’s handling of complaints related to the TDO.
The smart tips were written after summing up the experiences in handling cases related to the TDO by the C&ED over the past few years.
Illustrated with examples, the uploaded information gives a reminder of points to pay attention to at various stages of shopping. For instance, consumers should pay attention to transaction details and keep their invoices in case of liability claims to be taken on the questionable transactions. Other examples are also cited to show the scope of application of the TDO and the burden of proof required.
The information can be browsed through the C&ED webpage at www.customs.gov.hk/en/consumer_protection/trade_desc/unfair/index.html.
In addition to carrying out stringent enforcement, the C&ED is committed to enhancing public understanding of its TDO-related complaint handling mechanism through public education activities, including public/community talks and consumer alerts on its website. read more
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 14) seized 192 apples with a suspected false claim of species from a fruit retailer in Tai Po with an estimated market value of about $1,500.
Customs earlier received information alleging that a fruit retailer sold a type of fruit with the suspected false claim of species as “Orin Apple”.
Customs officers conducted a test-buy operation immediately and seized the batch of apples with the suspected false claim of species from a fruit retailer in Tai Po. A 62-year-old male sole proprietor was arrested.
Investigation is ongoing and inspections will continue.
Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO). False or misleading claims on species of goods may constitute an offence under the TDO. Consumers are advised to procure goods at reputable shops.
Under the TDO, any person who supplies goods with a false trade description in the course of trade or business, or is in possession of any goods for sale with a false trade description, commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Members of the public may report any suspected violation of the TDO to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Mobile Libraries 8, 9 and 12 will suspend services during designated periods in October and November for routine maintenance, a Leisure and Cultural Services Department spokesman announced today (October 15). … read more
Hong Kong Customs seized a batch of suspected smuggled goods, including about 176 kilograms of frozen beef, about 38kg of bird nest, about 3kg of fish maw and five cartons of cosmetics with an estimated market value of about $1.8 million at Man Kam To Control Point on October 13.
Customs officers intercepted an outgoing private car at Man Kam To Control Point on October 13 and found the batch of suspected smuggled goods on board the vehicle. The 47-year-old male driver and the 18-year-old female passenger were arrested.
After follow-up investigation, Customs officers further arrested a 41-year-old woman suspected to be involved in the case on the same day.
Investigation is ongoing and the arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
