*******************************************************
The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) today (March 7) reminded parents to watch out for potential strangulation hazards posed by children's upper-body apparel which has drawstrings in hoods or near the neck. Parents are advised to immediately remove the drawstrings from the garments to eliminate the hazard.
Customs officers recently seized a total of 513 pieces/sets of various models of children's upper apparel from the outlets of four department stores. These garments pose a risk of strangulation due to the presence of drawstrings in their hoods or near their necks.
According to the "Standard Safety Size for Drawstrings on Children's Upper Wear: GB/T 22702-2008" of the National Standard of the People's Republic of China, drawstrings in the hood or near the neck of garments made for children under seven years old are not allowed.
The Customs investigation is still continuing.
A Customs spokesman advised parents to watch out for potential hazards when selecting clothing for their children.
The Customs is committed to the protection of consumer interests and regularly conducts spot checks and safety tests on consumer goods to ensure that they are reasonably safe for use by consumers.
Under the Consumer Goods Safety 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 an imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and $500,000 and an imprisonment for two years on subsequent convictions.
To report unsafe consumer goods, please call the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or write to the Consumer Protection Bureau (1), C&ED on the 14th floor, Customs Headquarters Building, 222 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong.
Ends/Monday, March 7, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:45
NNNN