Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected unsafe laser pointers (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs seized 83 suspected unsafe laser pointers from seven retailers in Sham Shui Po in the past week. The retailers were suspected of contravening the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance (CGSO) and its subsidiary legislation, the Consumer Goods Safety Regulation (CGSR).

     Customs officers conducted a week-long spot check and test-buy operation between November 11 and 15 in Sham Shui Po. Officers found suspected unsafe models were put on sale at seven retail shops. Among the seven models involved, one was found to have no warning or caution and six others featured warning messages in English only. A total of 83 suspected unsafe laser pointers were seized during the operation and will be sent to a laboratory for safety testing.

     Investigation is ongoing.

     Under the CGSO, it is an offence to supply, manufacture or import into Hong Kong consumer goods unless the goods comply with the general safety requirements for consumer goods. According to the relevant safety standard for laser pointers, such products must have a relevant warning or caution attached.

     Under the CGSR, where consumer goods or their packages are marked with warnings or cautions with respect to their safe keeping, use, consumption or disposal, such warnings or cautions shall be in both the English and Chinese languages.

     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.

     Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the CGSO and the CGSR.

     Customs also reminds members of the public to avoid eye contact with the light dots emitted by laser pointers under all circumstances as the beams emitted by laser pointers can pose eye and skin injuries to users.

     Members of the public with information relating to unsafe consumer goods may make a report via Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).