Hong Kong Customs alerts public on unsafe external power bank (with photos)
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Customs earlier received information alleging that suspected unsafe external power banks were being supplied in the market. Customs officers immediately conducted an investigation and test-purchased a model of external power bank for safety testing at a retailer in Kwun Tong. The test result revealed that the product concerned failed the thermal burn injury test when using the wireless charging function if an object was placed between the power bank and the device being charged. Therefore, the product did not comply with the relevant international product safety standard.
Customs officers later conducted operations and searched the retailer concerned, a wholesaler and an authorised distributor. A total of 399 suspected unsafe external power banks of the same model were seized and prohibition notices were also served to prohibit the retailer, the wholesaler and the authorised distributor from selling the external power bank concerned.
Moreover, Customs officers also conducted spot checks and inspections in various districts and have found no sale of the external power bank concerned so far. An investigation is ongoing.
Customs reminds members of the public to observe the following safety tips when purchasing and using external power banks:
- Purchase external power banks manufactured by reputable brands and equipped with short-circuit protection devices, including overcharging, overcurrent and battery temperature protection devices, and choose charger cables produced by original manufacturers;
- External power banks in use should be placed in an environment with good ventilation so as not to obstruct heat dissipation from the batteries and to minimise the risk of a short circuit. Devices being charged should not be placed near inflammable substances such as clothes;
- Avoid prolonged charging and unplug the external power bank immediately after it is fully charged;
- When charging the external power bank, do not use it to charge mobile phones or other devices to avoid overloading or combustion; and
- Avoid putting any objects between the wireless power bank and the device being charged while conducting wireless charging.
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 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.
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/Thursday, September 15, 2022
Issued at HKT 17:33
Issued at HKT 17:33
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