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The Customs and Excise Department today (November 28) alerted members of the public to potential hazards posed by a folding chair and a folding stool.
Acting on complaints about a household goods chain shop supplying two unsafe models of folding chair and folding stool, Customs officers sent relevant samples to the Government Laboratory for safety tests, with reference to the British standards for strength, durability and safety of domestic seating.
During the tests, it was found that one of the metal legs of the folding chair was fractured and nearly detached from the supporting frames with the joining screw loosened. For the folding stool, the legs were seriously deformed with joints cracked. The two products would possibly pose the risk of falls leading to injuries to users.
The Customs officers later seized from the chain shops 18 folding chairs and 42 folding stools. A prohibition notice was served to the shop prohibiting the supply of the two products. Investigation is continuing.
A Customs spokesman said, "To ensure that the consumer goods in the market comply with the general safety requirements under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance, the department will continue to conduct spot checks on retailers and draw samples for safety tests. The department will also organise seminars for the trade regularly to promote their awareness of consumer goods safety and help them observe the requirements of the ordinance."
Under the 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 for the offence 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.
To report unsafe consumer goods, please call the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or write to the Consumer Protection Bureau (1), Customs and Excise Department, 14/F, Customs Headquarters Building, 222 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong.
Ends/Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Issued at HKT 17:11
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