Hong Kong Customs today (January 25) alerted members of the public to a potential falling hazard posed by one unsafe model of plastic folding stool. Traders should remove the product from their shelves. Members of the public should stop using the product as well.

     Customs earlier received information alleging the sale of a suspected unsafe model of plastic folding stool in the market. Customs officers immediately conducted an investigation and test-purchased that model of plastic folding stool from a retailer in Sau Mau Ping for safety testing. Upon examination by a laboratory, it was revealed that the plastic folding stool could not pass the under load test, which would pose a falling risk to users. The stool therefore failed to comply with the general safety requirements of the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance (CGSO). 

     Customs officers later conducted an operation and seized one suspected unsafe plastic folding stool of the same model from the retailer concerned. A prohibition notice was also served on the retailer to prohibit the continued sale of the product. 

     Beyond the retailer in connection with the case, Customs officers also conducted spot checks and inspections in various districts and found no such product for sale so far. 

     Investigation is ongoing.
     
     Customs reminds members of the public to observe the following safety tips when purchasing and using plastic folding stool products:
 

• Check the stability of the plastic folding stool after unfolding it;
• Sit down lightly first when using the plastic folding stool and stop using it if the stability of the product is in doubt; 
• Use the plastic folding stool properly and avoid sitting towards one side of the stool;
• Do not allow children to play with the product; and
• Do not let unsupervised children use the product.

     Customs reminds traders to comply with the statutory requirements of the CGSO to protect the safety of consumers.

     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 requirement for consumer goods. 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.

     Customs has been combating consistently the sale of products that fall short of the CGSO. Law enforcement action will be taken immediately if any violation of the CGSO is detected. 

     Members of the public with information relating to unsafe consumer goods may make a report via Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

Ends/Monday, January 25, 2021
Issued at HKT 11:00

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