Hong Kong Customs yesterday (February 26) took enforcement action to crack down on shortweight activities involving a scrap trader in Tseung Kwan O. 

     Customs earlier received information alleging that a scrap trader in Tseung Kwan O was suspected of using an inaccurate electronic platform scale to weigh scrap metal. Subsequently, officers yesterday posed as vendors and sold scrap copper to the concerned trader. During the operation, it was found that the scrap trader had used an inaccurate platform scale, making the weight of the weighed scrap copper displayed on the scale to be 24 per cent less than the actual weight, thereby paying a lower recycling price, i.e. paying $310 less. The trader was suspected of contravening the Weights and Measures Ordinance (WMO).

     An investigation is ongoing.

     In response to shortweight activities conducted by scrap traders using inaccurate electronic platform scales, Customs has stepped up spot checks and will continue to take stringent enforcement actions to protect the interests of citizens and uphold a fair trading environment.

     Under the WMO, any person who possesses, manufactures, supplies or uses for trade any weighing or measuring equipment which is false or defective commits an offence. The maximum penalty is a fine of $25,000. The false or defective weighing or measuring equipment is liable to forfeiture.

     In addition, if any fraud is committed in the use for trade of any weighing or measuring equipment, the person perpetrating the fraud commits an offence. The maximum penalty is a fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for six months.

     Customs reminds traders that they should use accurate weighing equipment and comply with the requirements of the WMO when recycling scrap.

     Customs appeals to the public to report any case of suspected fraud using defective weighing or measuring equipment to the department's 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/en). 

Ends/Thursday, February 27, 2025
Issued at HKT 17:25

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