Patrols protect Golden Week tourists

Tourists to Hong Kong during Golden Week received extra protection from rogue retailers, thanks to Operation Thunderbolt, launched by the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED).
Customs officials are patrolling shopping spots popular with tour groups, as well as dried-seafood shops, drug stores and jewellery stores in such areas as Causeway Bay, Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai and Yau Ma Tei.
Hk Customs shopping 2
Shops and tourist industry workers are also being reminded  to abide by the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO), says Trade Descriptions Investigation Bureau of Customs head Wai Wan-ching.
According to the TDO, traders who act unfairly – falsely describing goods, omitting information in order to mislead, being aggressive and using bait and switch tactics – could face a fine of up to HK$500,000 (US$64,440) and imprisonment for five years.
HK Customs shopping 1 copyWai also has advice for shoppers, saying they should be aware of product specifications before making a purchase, do price comparisons and patronise shops that have a good reputation. They should also check carefully the price and quantity of goods before making payment, and keep the receipt.
There is a 24-hour hotline for members of the public to report suspected violations.

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