Hong Kong Customs officers have arrested a male salesperson of a ginseng and dried seafood shop suspected to have applied a false trade description in the sale of American ginseng.

Customs had earlier received information alleging that a salesperson of a ginseng and dried seafood shop in Mong Kok was claiming that American ginseng was priced per catty. After the goods were sliced, the salesperson revealed that the American ginseng was priced per tael. The resulting price was 16 times higher than what was expected.

After investigation, customs arrested the 26-year-old man for violating the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).

The arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation.

Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to purchase products from reputable shops. Consumers should also 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 commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.