A spokesman for the Customs and Excise Department today (23 December 2004) urged the members of the public to stop using a glass-top table (Item No.: CP-2119C) that was found to be unsafe.

The spokesman made the appeal after the Department, having consulted with the Government Laboratory, concluded that the tested sample of the table obtained from the supplier failed to comply with the specified requirements of BS EN 1730:2000.

According to the test result, deformation of legs and loosening of joints were observed when a horizontal force of around 45kg was applied. Besides, the table started to overturn at a vertical force of around 20kg. The overturning of glass-top table poses a high risk to users.

Customs officers served a Prohibition Notice on the supplier to prevent it from selling the unsafe table.

The spokesman urged the members of the public to stop using the unsafe table at once. They are advised to contact the company at 2602 8882 for enquiry concerning arrangements on refund or exchange for other goods.

The spokesman said, "Customs investigation is continuing with a view to prosecuting the companies for offences under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance (CGSO)".

Under the CGSO, manufacturers, importers and suppliers are required to ensure that consumer goods they manufacture, import and supply are reasonably safe. The CGSO has already imposed a general safety requirement (GSR) on all consumer goods including glass-top table. It is an offence for any person to manufacture, supply or import into Hong Kong unsafe consumer goods which fail to comply with the GSR or any prescribed safety standards.

The maximum penalty for the offence is a fine of $100,000 and an imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and $500,000 and two years imprisonment on subsequent conviction.

For complaint regarding unsafe consumer goods, consumers can write to the Consumer Protection and Prosecution Bureau of the Customs and Excise Department at 11th floor, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, or call the Customs hotline at 2545 6182.