Retailers face Customs ‘Bullet’ ahead of Golden Week

Hong Kong Customs launches operation to discourage ripoffs ahead of Golden Week.

Hong Kong Customs has stepped up patrols during the Labour Day Golden Week period at popular shopping spots in various districts.

Codenamed “Bullet”, the operation is serving to remind traders to comply with the requirements of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO), with a view to enhancing consumer protection.

Starting from today, Customs officers 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, Hung Hom, To Kwa Wan, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. Retailers and staff of the tourist industry will be reminded to comply with the requirements of the TDO.

Customs is also reminding consumers to have a good understanding of a product’s specifications before purchase, and that they should make price comparisons and purchase products from reputable shops. They are also reminded to check carefully the price and unit of measurement before making payment and to retain receipts after purchase.

Under the TDO, any trader who adopts unfair trade practices – including making false trade descriptions in relation to goods, misleading omissions, aggressive commercial practices as well as “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 are encouraged to report suspected violations of the TDO to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

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