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The Government published in the Gazette today (December 21) the Trade Descriptions (Amendment) Bill 2007 which aims to strengthen the existing regulatory regime for the protection of consumers and tourists against malpractices in the retail business.
The Trade Descriptions Ordinance is a major piece of legislation to protect consumers. It prohibits false trade descriptions and misstatements provided in the course of trade. However, its existing provisions are inadequate in dealing with certain trade malpractices where dishonest retailers use misleading or deceptive representations to get consumers to buy goods.
A spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said today (December 21), ¡°The bill proposes to amend section 2(1) of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance by expanding the definition of trade description to include certain matters relating to warranty and after-sale repair and maintenance services for goods. The bill will also add three new provisions to prohibit retailers from giving misleading price indications and making false or misleading representations to deceive consumers.¡±
The three new provisions are ¡ª
(1) Requiring retailers to show clearly and conspicuously the weight unit of goods displayed for sale;
(2) Requiring retailers to inform customers before they make payment if the price of five types of prescribed electronic products (digital camera, digital camcorder, mobile phone, MP3 and MP4 players) does not include the essential accessories; and
(3) Prohibiting retailers from making false or misleading representations regarding their connection with or endorsement by individuals or organisations of good standing and reputation.
¡°We have consulted the trade widely on the proposals in the bill and traders and related organisations are generally supportive of the proposals,¡± the spokesman said.
¡°The passage of the bill will enhance consumer protection and help boost the retail and tourist industries, and in the end will strengthen Hong Kong¡¯s reputation as a ¡®shoppers¡¯ paradise.¡¯¡±
The bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council on January 9, 2008.
Ends/Friday, December 21, 2007
Issued at HKT 11:06
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