Hong Kong Customs today (July 15) alerted members of the public on the potential skin irritation risks posed by three models of hand wash products.

     Customs earlier received a referral from a related organisation that hand wash products supplied in the market posed potential risks. Customs then conducted a test-buy operation for safety tests. Results revealed that the pH values of three models of hand wash products slightly exceeded the allowed range, violating the relevant safety standard.

     Investigation is ongoing. Customs has ordered the related retailers and suppliers to store 583 bottles of hand wash products in specified places.

     Under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance, it is an offence to supply, manufacture or import into Hong Kong consumer goods unless the goods comply with the general safety requirements for consumer goods. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and $500,000 and imprisonment for two years on subsequent conviction.

     Members of the public with information relating to unsafe consumer goods may make a report via Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

Ends/Monday, July 15, 2019
Issued at HKT 15:30

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