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The Government published the following in the Gazette today (April 18) with a view to better protect consumers¡¯ interests:
(a) Trade Descriptions (Provision of Information on Natural Fei Cui) Order
(b) Trade Descriptions (Provision of Information on Diamond) Order
(c) Trade Descriptions (Provision of Information on Regulated Electronic Products) Order
(d) Trade Descriptions (Marking) (Gold and Gold Alloy) (Amendment) Order 2008
(e) Trade Descriptions (Marking) (Platinum) (Amendment) Order 2008
(f) Trade Descriptions (Definition of Platinum) (Amendment) Regulation 2008
The six regulations were made by the Chief Executive in Council on April 8, 2008 under sections 4 and 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.
A spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said today, ¡°To better protect our consumers, we intend to require retailers to issue an invoice or receipt containing specified information in relation to the sale of natural Fei Cui, diamond, gold, platinum and five types of electronic products.¡±
"We also intend to require retailers of natural Fei Cui and diamond to display prominently at the point of supply a prescribed notice informing customers of the definitions of natural Fei Cui and diamond and the supplier¡¯s obligation to issue a detailed invoice or receipt when he supplies such articles. In addition, to prevent retailers from misrepresenting white gold as platinum, we propose to change the Chinese translation of white gold and platinum. We have consulted the trade on the proposals and received general support,¡± the spokesman said.
The regulations will be tabled at the Legislative Council for negative vetting on April 23, 2008. They will come into effect on a date to be designated by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development.
Ends/Friday, April 18, 2008
Issued at HKT 11:00
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