Hong Kong Customs combats unfair trade practices at ginseng and dried seafood shop
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     Hong Kong Customs today (September 12) arrested two salesmen of a ginseng and dried seafood shop suspected to have applied a false trade description in the sale of dried Margarita Margaritifera and Herba Dendrobii in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO). 

     Customs earlier received information alleging that a salesman of a ginseng and dried seafood shop in Tsim Sha Tsui claimed that the unit prices of dried Margarita Margaritifera and Herba Dendrobii were calculated per catty and tael respectively.  After the goods were sliced and ground by another salesman, the salesman revealed that the dried Margarita Margaritifera was priced per tael while the Herba Dendrobii was priced per mace.  After investigation, Customs officers today arrested two men aged 42 and aged 49 respectively.  Investigation is ongoing and the arrested men have been released on bail pending further investigation. 

     Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to purchase products from reputable shops. Consumers should also be cautious about the unit price and ask for more information, including the total price of the goods selected, before making a purchase decision.
 
     Under the TDO, any person who applies a false trade description to any goods, or supplies goods with a false trade description in the course of trade or business, 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 the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182. 

Ends/Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Issued at HKT 20:34

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