A fruit wholesaler and retailer was convicted and fined $36,000 today (October 22) by the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts for supplying and possessing grapes with a falsely claimed origin, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO). A total of 97 boxes (485 bags) of grapes involved in the case were also confiscated.

     Hong Kong Customs earlier received information alleging that a brand of packed grapes with false trade descriptions was put on sale in the local market. The origin statement on the packaging indicated that the product was produced in Japan, but the grapes were suspected to be produced on the Chinese Mainland. 

     After an investigation, Customs found that a wholesaler and retailer in the Fruit Wholesale Market in Yau Ma Tei was selling the subject grapes bearing false trade descriptions. When Customs officers test-purchased the subject grapes later, the trader claimed the grapes were from the Chinese Mainland, while the packaging of the grapes had a label showing that the origin was Japan. Suspecting the trader had contravened the TDO, Customs took enforcement action and seized 97 boxes (485 bags) of grapes with a total value of about $37,000 from the fruit wholesaler and retailer.

     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 is in possession of any goods for sale with a false trade description, commits a criminal 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 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Ends/Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Issued at HKT 15:55

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