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The Government published in the Gazette today (February 29) the Trade Descriptions (Definition of Fei Cui and Natural Fei Cui) Regulation and the Trade Descriptions (Definition of Diamond) Regulation for better protection of consumers by regulating the use of the terms "Fei Cui", "natural Fei Cui" and "diamond" in the course of trade or business.
The two regulations were made by the Chief Executive in Council on February 19 under section 33 of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance which is a major piece of legislation to protect consumers against false trade descriptions and misstatements made by deceitful traders. However, its existing provisions are not adequate in protecting consumers against dishonest retailers who induce consumers to enter into transactions by using misleading terminologies or false descriptions in relation to the sale of natural Fei Cui and diamonds.
A spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said, "We consider it necessary to introduce definition regulations to define "Fei Cui", "natural Fei Cui" and "diamond" for better protection of consumers."
"We have consulted the precious stones and metals industry on the proposals and they considered that the proposals would effectively deter the sale of deceptive or fake Fei Cui and diamond," the spokesman said.
The regulations will be tabled at the Legislative Council for negative vetting on March 5. They will come into effect on a date to be designated by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development.
Ends/Friday, February 29, 2008
Issued at HKT 11:00
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