Hong Kong Customs have arrested a ginseng retailer for charging a customer 10 times the quoted price.
The arrest is the latest in an ongoing clampdown on dodgy business practices at stores specialising in Chinese herbal medicines, ginseng, dried seafoods and other such goods.
A Hong Kong Customs spokesman said the salesperson from the unidentified ginseng and dried seafood shop is suspected of having applied a false trade description in the sale of Chinese herb, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).
Customs earlier received information alleging that the salesperson had applied a false trade description in the course of sale of a Chinese herb. The person claimed herba silybi was calculated per tael. After the Chinese herb was ground, the salesperson revealed that the goods were priced per mace. The charged amount was 10 times more than expected.  
Customs officers arrested a 30-year-old man who has been released on bail while further investigations continue.
The Customs spokesman reminded retailers  to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to purchase products from reputable shops.
“Consumers should be cautious about the unit price and ask for more information, including the total price of the goods selected, before making a purchase decision.”
Under the TDO, any person who in the course of any trade or business applies a false trade description to any goods or services 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 the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.