Hong Kong Customs today (March 22) reminded members of the public to stay alert to three models of suspected unsafe nail polish products. Members of the public should pay extra care with regard to safety and the potential carcinogenicity of such products.

     Customs earlier received referrals from a related organisation that three models of suspected unsafe nail polish products were being supplied on the market. Customs officers immediately conducted inspections at different districts and successfully test-purchased three models for safety tests by the laboratory.

     According to the test results, the three models of the nail polish products contained naphthalene which was a prohibited ingredient as stipulated in the relevant safety and technical standards for cosmetics. Therefore, the products concerned are suspected of failing to comply with the general safety requirements of the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance (CGSO). 

     Moreover, Customs also found that one of the products concerned only bore warnings or cautions in Korean without any English and Chinese warnings or cautions, suspected to be in contravention of the Consumer Goods Safety Regulation (CGSR), a subsidiary legislation of the CGSO.

     Customs officers subsequently conducted operations and seized a total of 58 pieces of two models of the suspected unsafe nail polish products from a retailer and importer in Causeway Bay, and a wholesaler and importer in Sheung Wan.

     Furthermore, Customs officers also conducted spot checks and inspections in various districts. None of the three models has been found on sale for the time being.

     An investigation is ongoing.

     Customs reminds members of the public to observe the following safety tips when purchasing and using nail polish products:
     • Read in detail the instructions for safe use of the products;
     • To avoid inhalation of harmful substances, keeping windows open to ensure adequate ventilation when using the products;
     • Stop using the products and seek medical attention immediately if feeling unwell after use; 
     • Do not buy or use products from doubtful sources; and
     • Purchase products at reputable retail shops.

     Under the CGSO, 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. Under the CGSR, where consumer goods or their packages are marked with warnings or cautions with respect to their safe keeping, use, consumption or disposal, such warnings or cautions shall be in both English and Chinese languages. Moreover, the warning or caution phrases must be legibly and conspicuously shown on the goods, any package of the goods, a label securely affixed to the package or a document enclosed in the package. 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 or law-breaking consumer goods may make a report via Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or by filling in an online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/). 

Ends/Friday, March 22, 2024
Issued at HKT 17:25

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