An online company was fined $8,000 today (April 26) at Shatin Magistrates' Courts for supplying power banks with a false trade description, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO). Meanwhile, the company director was bound over to be of good behaviour for 12 months at $1,000 for the same offence.

     Acting on information, Hong Kong Customs conducted a test-buy operation and purchased three power banks, each with a marked capacity of 20 000mAh, from an online company in October 2015. Upon examination by a laboratory, it was confirmed that the capacity of the power banks ranged from 2 594mAh to 2 686mAh, different from the capacity indicated.

     Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to procure products at reputable shops.

     Under the TDO, any person who supplies goods with a false trade description in the course of trade or business, or in possession of any goods for sale with a false trade description, 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/Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:30

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