Hong Kong Customs combats unfair trade practices at renovation company
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Hong Kong Customs today (August 5) arrested a male director cum salesperson of a renovation company suspected of having applied false trade descriptions to the renovation service he supplied, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).
Customs earlier received information alleging that a renovation company director cum salesperson had made false claims to a customer that the furniture would be tailor-made with materials of a brand designated by the customer. However, upon completion of the renovation service, it was found that the furniture was not made from the designated materials.
After investigation, Customs officers today arrested a 47-year-old man.
An investigation is ongoing and 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 procure services at reputable shops.
Under the TDO, any trader who applies a false trade description to a service supplied to a consumer 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 violation of the TDO to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).