Hong Kong Customs today (November 30) arrested a salesman of a medicine shop suspected to have applied a false trade description in the course of selling a proprietary medicine, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).

     Customs earlier received information alleging that a salesman of a medicine shop in Yau Ma Tei was suspected to have applied a false trade description on a brand of medicine by claiming that it was a particular brand in the course of selling medicines.

     After investigation, Customs officers arrested a 30-year-old man this afternoon.

     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 procure products at reputable shops.

     Under the TDO, any person who in the course of any trade or business applies a false trade description to any goods, or supplies or offers to supply any goods to which a false trade description is applied, 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/Thursday, November 30, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:05

NNNN