Hong Kong Customs combats unfair trade practices at vehicle repair shop
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     Hong Kong Customs today (June 4) arrested a director of a vehicle repair shop suspected of applying a false trade description in the course of selling vehicle repair service, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).

     Customs earlier received information alleging that a director of a vehicle repair shop made a false claim to a customer that brand new vehicle parts would be used in vehicle repair service. Upon completion of the repair service provided by the shop, the customer found that the vehicle parts were not brand new.

     After investigation, Customs officers today arrested a 51-year-old man.

     Investigation is ongoing and the arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation.

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

     Under the TDO, any trader who applies a false trade description to a service supplied to a consumer 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 Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

Ends/Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Issued at HKT 19:00

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