Hong Kong Customs combats unfair trade practices at ginseng and dried seafood shop

     Hong Kong Customs today (February 2) arrested two salesmen of a ginseng and dried seafood shop in Mong Kok suspected to have applied a false trade description in the sale of Chinese Cordyceps, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).

     Customs earlier received information alleging that salesmen of a ginseng and dried seafood shop in the district claimed that the Chinese Cordyceps was selling at a specific price. After the goods were ground, the salesmen revealed that the Chinese Cordyceps was priced per mace. The price was 10 times different from the expected.

     After investigation, Customs officers today arrested two men, aged 25 and 57.

     Investigation is ongoing and the arrested men have been released on bail pending further investigation.

     Customs inspection and enforcement will be stepped up with the coming ahead of the Lunar New Year.

     Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to purchase products from reputable shops. Consumers should also be cautious about the unit price and ask for more information, including the total price of the goods selected, before making a purchase decision.

     Under the TDO, any person who in the course of any trade or business applies a false trade description to any goods 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 violations of the TDO to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).