Hong Kong Customs combats traders supplying shortweight Chinese New Year products
Starting from January 29, Hong Kong Customs conducted a territory-wide inspection to combat traders supplying shortweight products before the Chinese New Year. After test buys and spot checks, five traders suspected of violating the regulations were found, in contravention of the Weights and Measures Ordinance (WMO).
During the operation, Customs officers found that five traders supplied shortweight Chinese New Year products, including red melon seeds, pistachios and candied lotus seeds, with discrepancies ranging from 6 per cent to 19 per cent.
The inspections are ongoing.
Customs reminds consumers to purchase products from reputable shops and pay attention to the weighing process and the actual weight when the products are supplied by weight.
Customs also reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the WMO. Under the WMO, any person who in the course of trade supplies goods to another person by weight or measure should supply the goods in net weight or net measure. Any shortage of the quantity purporting to be supplied is an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $10,000. In addition, any person who uses for trade, or has in his possession for use for trade, any weighing or measuring equipment which is false or defective commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $25,000. Also, any person who fails to let customers have a clear view of readings of the weighing or measuring equipment is liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $5,000.
Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement action against shortweight activities to protect consumers' interests and uphold a fair trading environment.
Members of the public may report any suspected violations of the WMO to the Customs 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
The Hong Kong Customs, Photo source: reference image
