Hong Kong Customs combats unfair trade practices of renovation service

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 21) arrested a renovation contractor suspected of having applied false trade descriptions to the renovation service he supplied, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).

     Customs earlier received information alleging that a renovation contractor had made false claims of including some renovation items free of charge. However, the contractor later charged extra fees for those items. The renovation contractor was also suspected of making false claims related to the pricing and regarding the supplier of electrical appliance items involved. The total amount of the renovation works contract was $370,000.

     After an investigation, Customs officers yesterday arrested a 49-year-old man.

     An investigation is ongoing and the arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation.

     Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to procure services at reputable shops.
     Under the TDO, any trader who applies a false trade description to a service supplied to a consumer 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).