Hong Kong Customs today (June 15) announced results of its spot checks on swimming aids and aquatic toy products in the past month. Two models of children's swimming rings were found bearing no identification markings or bilingual warnings or cautions, in contravention of the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance (TCPSO) and its subsidiary legislation, the Toys and Children's Products Safety (Additional Safety Standards or Requirements) Regulation (TCPSR).
Customs earlier received a referral from a related organisation that suspected unsafe swimming aid products (including baby collar rings, chest rings and children's swimming seats) and aquatic toy products (including children's swimming rings) were being supplied in the market. Customs immediately conducted spot checks in various districts and test-purchased 23 models of relevant products for safety tests.
During the operation, Customs found that two models of children's swimming rings being sold at two retail shops had no identification markings or bilingual warnings or cautions, in contravention of the TCPSO and the TCPSR.
Customs officers then seized 29 items of one of the models of children's swimming rings at one of the above-mentioned retail shops suspected of violating the regulation.
Investigation is ongoing.
Furthermore, safety tests on five models of children's swimming seats are under way to ensure that they comply with the general safety requirements of the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance (CGSO).
No violation of the TCPSO or the CGSO was found for the remaining 16 models of the relevant products.
Customs reminds members of the public to observe the following safety tips when purchasing and using swimming aids and aquatic toy products:
- Check for damage or leakage before purchasing and using the products;
- Read in detail the instructions for safe use of the products and the applicable ages;
- Children must be accompanied by an adult when using the relevant products;
- Adults should always pay attention to children's situations when using the relevant products; and
- Do not mistakenly use inflatable swimming aids and aquatic toy products for lifesaving purposes.
Under the TCPSO, it is an offence to manufacture, import or supply in Hong Kong toys or children's products unless the goods comply with the general safety requirements and each additional safety standard. 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.
Under the CGSO, it is an offence to manufacture, import or supply consumer goods unless the goods comply with the general safety requirements 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 toys, children's products or 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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