Hong Kong Customs today (July 4) arrested a salesman of a ginseng and dried seafood shop suspected to have applied a false trade description in the sale of Herba Dendrobii, Panax quinquefolius and pseudo-ginseng, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).

     Customs earlier received information alleging that a salesman of a ginseng and dried seafood shop in Causeway Bay had applied a false trade description to goods, claiming that the unit prices of Herba Dendrobii, Panax quinquefolius and pseudo-ginseng were calculated per catty. After the herbal medicine was ground, the salesman of the shop revealed that the Panax quinquefolius was priced per tael while the Herba Dendrobii and pseudo-ginseng were priced per mace. After investigation, Customs arrested a 39-year-old man today. Investigation is ongoing and the arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation.

     Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to purchase products from reputable shops. Consumers should also be cautious about the unit price and ask for more information, including the total price of the goods selected, before making a purchase decision.

     Under the TDO, any person who applies a false trade description to any goods, or supplies goods with a false trade description in the course of trade or business, commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

     ​Members of the public may report any suspected violations of the TDO to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.

Ends/Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:18

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