Hong Kong Customs today (November 24) arrested a salesperson of a ginseng and dried seafood shop 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 salesperson claimed that 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 today arrested a 30-year-old man. Investigation is ongoing and the arrested person has been released on bail pending further investigation.
Customs reminded traders 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.
Ends/Thursday, November 24, 2016