Hong Kong Customs alerts public to one model of unsafe stroller (with photo)
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​Hong Kong Customs today (June 10) reminded members of the public to stay alert to an unsafe model of a stroller. Test results indicated that the stroller could pose a risk of finger entrapment to children. To avoid an accident, parents should immediately stop using the stroller with children. Traders should also remove the stroller from their shelves.
Customs earlier received a referral from a related organisation that suspected unsafe strollers were being supplied in the market. Customs officers immediately conducted spot checks in various districts and test-purchased the stroller concerned for safety testing. Test results revealed that the product had gaps that might pinch children's fingers. Moreover, Customs also found that the stroller failed to comply with the safety standards stipulated in the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance (TCPSO), nor did it bear bilingual warnings or cautions as stipulated in the TCPSO.
Customs later conducted an operation and searched the children's products retailer in connection with the case. A prohibition notice was served at the same time to prohibit the continued sale of the stroller concerned. Moreover, Customs officers also conducted spot checks in various districts across the territory and have found no sale of the stroller concerned so far.
An investigation is ongoing.
Customs reminds members of the public to observe the following safety tips when purchasing and using strollers:
- Pay attention to age and weight recommendations shown on labels;
- An examination should be carried out after assemblage to make sure that the stroller operates safely;
- Advice and instructions for users should be read carefully before using the stroller;
- Check the structure of the stroller to see, for example, whether it has a fragile structure, hidden sharp points, rough surfaces, sharp edges or gaps that may pinch children's fingers; and
- Stop using the stroller immediately if any damage is observed or it is found to be unstable.
Customs is committed to safeguarding consumers' safety and regularly conducts spot checks and safety tests on children's products to ensure that they are reasonably safe for use by consumers.
Under the TCPSO, it is an offence to supply, manufacture or import unsafe toys or children's products. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years on subsequent conviction.
Members of the public may report information relating to suspected unsafe toys or children's products via Customs' 24-hourhotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, June 10, 2022
Issued at HKT 15:00
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