Hong Kong Customs steps up patrols and reminds traders to comply with requirements of Trade Descriptions Ordinance with approach of Lunar New Year

     Hong Kong Customs will step up patrols at popular shopping spots in various districts and remind traders to comply with the requirements of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO) starting today (January 23) and through the Lunar New Year holiday, with a view to enhancing consumer protection.

     Customs officers starting from today will step up patrols at dried seafood shops, pharmacies and jewellery shops in different tourist shopping areas such as Yau Ma Tei, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay, as well as at Lunar New Year fairs. Pamphlets will also be distributed to retailers and staff of the tourist industry to remind them to comply with the requirements of the TDO.

     Customs today also reminds consumers to purchase products from reputable shops. Consumers should be cautious about the unit price and retain the receipt after purchase.

     Under the TDO, any trader who engages in unfair trade practices, including making false trade descriptions in relation to goods, misleading omission, aggressive commercial practices or bait and switch, 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).