Hong Kong Customs today (July 26) arrested a staff member of a mini-storage godown, suspected of applying false trade descriptions in the course of selling storage rental services, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).

     Customs earlier received a complaint from a member of the public alleging that staff of a mini-storage godown in Tai Wai applied false trade descriptions on the area of mini-storage space in selling storage rental services to consumers. After investigation, Customs officers conducted enforcement action and arrested a 32-year-old female staff member of the mini-storage godown. The case is still under investigation and the arrested person has been put on bail.

     A trader commits an offence if he or she applies false trade descriptions to a service supplied to a consumer, or if he or she supplies to a customer a service to which a false trade description is applied. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years. The management staff will also be liable if the offence is committed with their consent or connivance or is attributed to their neglect.

     Customs reminded traders to abide by the law. During the course of sale of service, they should state all relevant information to consumers in a clear and accurate manner and shall not apply false trade descriptions to mislead consumers. Consumers should be aware of the details of the service and procure services at reputable shops.

     Members of the public may report suspected cases in violation of the TDO to the Customs by calling the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.

Ends/Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Issued at HKT 16:50

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