BFAC appreciates Consumer Council's committed efforts in encouraging continuous improvement in product standards
The following is issued on behalf of the Business Facilitation Advisory Committee Secretariat:
The Business Facilitation Advisory Committee held its 57th meeting today (July 23). At the meeting, the Consumer Council briefed members on its mechanism and procedures regarding comparative product testing.
To safeguard consumer's interests and enable informed consumption choices for a better quality of life, one of the important tasks of the Council is to conduct tests, surveys and research on consumer products to provide objective and unbiased information to consumers. The Council has adopted a structured and transparent process for conducting product testing and research. The evaluations are designed from user's perspectives, focusing on performance, safety and/or sustainable consumption, etc. The results are published in "CHOICE Magazine" and other media of the Council, reaching more consumers through media coverage. In addition, the Council shares the findings and recommendations with relevant traders before publishing the report and invites them to provide comments in regard to the findings. This mechanism provides an effective communication platform for the Council and traders, while also serving as a reminder to manufacturers to prioritise quality and safety when optimising the overall production process, thereby strengthening consumer protection and also building a better reputation.
The Committee appreciated the Council's ongoing efforts in building a safe and sustainable consumption environment, and strengthening communication and liaison between consumers and traders.
The Committee also received the work reports of its three task forces:
Wholesale and Retail Task Force (WRTF)
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The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) briefed the WRTF on the common legislative framework for Producer Responsibility Schemes (PRSs) and the initial proposal of the PRS on Plastic Beverage Containers and Beverage Cartons. The EPD stated that the common legislative framework would set out the general operational mechanisms for PRSs, the responsibilities of relevant stakeholders, and the associated regulatory control measures, etc. This framework would facilitate the future inclusion of more regulated products into the PRSs progressively, taking into account actual circumstances andexpanding the waste-to-resources capacities. Regarding the initial proposal of the PRS on Plastic Beverage Containers and Beverage Cartons, the WRTF agreed that all sectors of society should share the responsibility to protect the environment, and suggested the EPD continue to communicate with the trades, ensuring various factors are thoroughly considered before implementing the Scheme.
The Customs & Excise Department (C&ED) briefed the WRTF on the operation, procedures andadvantages of the Mainland-Hong Kong "Single Submission for Dual Declaration" Scheme. The C&ED launched the Scheme in November 2024, currently covering all cargo passing through land boundary control points between the two places. Cargo information submitted byMainland enterprises to the Mainland platform will be encrypted and automatically sent to the Hong Kong platform, from which Hong Kong enterprises can retrieve relevant cargo information for completing a local Customs declaration. The WRTF welcomed the "Single Submission for Dual Declaration" Scheme, and considered that it would facilitate Customs declarations for local enterprises.
Food Business and Related Services Task Force (FRSTF)
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The Fire Services Department (FSD) consulted the FRSTF on the new requirements for the installation of fire extinguisher cabinets in outdoor seating accommodation (OSA) of licensed food premises. The FSD proposed that all new licensing applications of food premises shall impose a requirement of installing a fully enclosed, dedicated fire extinguisher cabinet within the OSA of food premises to prevent fire extinguishers from being adversely affected by dust, moisture and other environmental factors, thereby ensuring their prompt and effective operation in the event of a fire. The FRSTF noted the proposal and suggested that the FSD to provide clear requirements for fire extinguisher cabinets to facilitate the trade's compliance.
The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) briefed the FRSTF on the Digital DIY (DDIY) Portal to facilitate the digital transformation of Hong Kong's food and beverage industry. The DDIY Portal is designed to facilitate local enterprises, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in identifying suitable digital transformation solutions and connecting them to reputable service providers for implementation, enhancing operationalefficiency and creating business opportunities. The FRSTF welcomed the business facilitation services provided by the HKPC and suggested the HKPC to consider performing the role of project manager to assist trades in successful implementation of digital solutions.
Task Force on Business Liaison Groups (BLGTF)
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The HKPC briefed the BLGTF on the main services of the SME ReachOutand other popular government funding schemes. SME ReachOuthelps SMEs identify suitable funding schemes, answers application inquiries and provides form-review advisory services. Currently there are more than 40 government funding schemes targeting SMEs, covering areas such as business expansion, upgrading and transformation, research and development, fostering technology talent, and promoting new industrialisation, alongwith a number of industry-specific funding schemes. The HKPC briefed the BLGTF on details of some popular funding schemes and provided information on their application eligibility, funding amountand funding scope. The BLGTF thanked the HKPC for the briefing.
The Committee also expressed appreciation for the commitment and achievements of the bureaux and departments in continuously implementing the business facilitation measures under the Be the Smart Regulator Programme to enhance their business licensing services.
Papers for the Committee meeting are available atwww.gov.hk/en/business/supportenterprises/bf/advisory/index.htm for public access.
Source: AI-found images
Fatal traffic accident in Lok Ma Chau
Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident happened in Lok Ma Chau yesterday (April 8) in which a man died.
At 11.28pm, a public light bus (PLB) driven by a 49-year-old mainland man was travelling along the first left lane of San Tin Highway towards Sheung Shui. When approaching the lamp post FA8180B, the PLB reportedly failed to stop in time and rammed into the rear of a medium goods vehicle (MGV), which stopped due to traffic situation ahead. The medium goods vehicle was driven by a 44-year-old man. The MGV was pushed forward and it crashed into the rear of a private car driven by a 77-year-old man, which also pushed forward a light goods vehicle (LGV) driven by a 47-year-old man. After that, the PLB crashed into a MGV driven by a 45-year-old man, which was travelling along the second left lane.
Police officers sped to the scene. The 49-year-old PLB driver was trapped inside the vehicle and rescued by firemen. Sustaining serious multiple injuries, he was rushed to Pok Oi Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 11.39pm.
In the accident, a 67-year-old PLB male passenger and a 33-year-old PLB male passenger sustained mouth and legs injuries respectively. They were sent to Pok Oi Hospital in conscious state. A 42-year-old male passenger sustained head and legs injuries and was sent to Prince of Wales Hospital in conscious state. A 47-year-old private car female passenger sustained waist injuries. A 45-year-old private car male passenger sustained neck injuries and a 52-year-old private car male passenger sustained back injuries. They were taken to Pok Oi Hospital in conscious state.
The 47-year-old LGV driver and the 44-year-old MGV driver felt unwell and were sent to Pok Oi Hospital in conscious state.
Investigation by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, New Territories North is underway.
Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 3800.
Source: AI-found images
