Hong Kong Customs on June 15 and 17 arrested two directors cum salespersons of beauty parlours suspected of having applied false trade descriptions to the beauty service supplied, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).

     Customs earlier received information alleging that staff members of two beauty parlours in Tsim Sha Tsui claimed to provide beauty services with a particular brand of beauty device. However, the beauty devices used in the treatment were suspected to be not manufactured by the said brand manufacturer. 

     After in-depth investigation, Customs officers conducted test-buy operations on June 15 and 17 respectively. It was found that the directors cum salespersons concerned were suspected of applying false trade descriptions in the sale of a beauty service. Two women, aged 33 and 34, were arrested. Investigation is ongoing and the arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation.

     Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to procure services at reputable shops.

     Under the TDO, any trader who applies a false trade description to a service supplied to a consumer 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 Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

Ends/Tuesday, June 21, 2022
Issued at HKT 15:05

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