The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (August 27) appealed to the public not to buy two non-approved portable cassette cooker models. If members of the public have purchased the cookers, they are advised to stop using them.
The EMSD has recently found that two Iwatani portable cassette cookers models, "CB-TS-PLS" and "CB-WA-35F", are being sold or displayed at a local online shop. These two models have not obtained written approval from the Gas Authority (i.e. the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services). The EMSD is investigating the case and may institute prosecution if there is evidence to show that the importer or supplier has contravened the Gas Safety Ordinance.
Under the Gas Safety (Miscellaneous) Regulations, all domestic gas appliances, including portable cassette cookers, which are imported, sold or supplied for use in Hong Kong, shall have written approval from the Gas Authority. An approved domestic gas appliance shall bear a "GU" mark, signifying that the model has been designed and manufactured in accordance with recognised international/national safety standards, passed the local basic safety assessments and undergone local quality assurance inspection conducted in Hong Kong laboratories. Any person who contravenes Section 3B(1) and (2) of the Gas Safety (Miscellaneous) Regulations in relation to the import, sale or supply of domestic gas appliances is liable on first conviction to a fine at level six ($100,000) and to imprisonment for 12 months.
As the above two models have not obtained written approval from the Gas Authority, the EMSD urged members of the public to stop using them to avoid gas safety risks. The approved list of portable cassette cookers can be found on the EMSD website (www.emsd.gov.hk/filemanager/tc/content_261/GU05_LPG_Approved_List.pdf). If members of the public find suspected non-approved portable cassette cookers, they may make a report to the Gas Standards Office of the EMSD at 2808 3683.
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