Trader convicted of supplying health supplement with false trade description

23 Nov 2017

A trader was sentenced to carry out 100 hours of community service today (November 23) at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts for supplying a health supplement with a false trade description on an online trading platform, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).

Acting on information, Hong Kong Customs conducted a test-buy operation on an online trading platform and purchased a health supplement which claimed to have an effect in gaining body height.

Expert examination confirmed that there is no scientific basis for the claim and the claim is a false description.

Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO. Under the TDO, any person who supplies goods with a false trade description in the course of trade or business, or is in possession of any goods for sale with a false trade description, 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 23, 2017

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