Hong Kong Customs today (December 8) arrested a male proprietor cum salesperson of a renovation company suspected of having applied false trade descriptions to the renovation service supplied to customers, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).

     Customs earlier received information alleging that a male proprietor cum salesperson had made a false claim to a customer that his renovation company was a registered minor works contractor, which was contrary to the fact.

     After investigation, Customs officers today arrested the 39-year-old male proprietor of the renovation company.

     An 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. Consumers are advised to contact respective registration authorities if the trader's qualifications are in doubt.

     Under the TDO, any trader who applies a false trade description to a service supplied or offered to be 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/Thursday, December 8, 2022
Issued at HKT 17:15

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