Hong Kong Customs combats unfair trade practices at medicine shop
Hong Kong Customs today (December 20) arrested a salesman of a medicine shop suspected of applying a false trade description in the course of selling dried fish maw, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).
Customs earlier received information alleging that a salesperson of a medicine shop in Tsim Sha Tsui claimed that the unit price of dried fish maw was calculated per catty. After the dried fish maw was sliced, the salesperson revealed that it was priced per tael.
After an in-depth investigation, Customs officers today arrested a 30-year-old salesman of the medicine shop concerned.
An investigation is ongoing, and the arrested man was held for inquiry.
Customs has long been concerned about visitors being misled to make purchases by unfair trade practices and has established a Quick Response Team to handle urgent complaints lodged by short-haul visitors. The complaints will be promptly referred to investigators to handle with priority.
Customs reminded traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to purchase products from reputable shops. Consumers should also be cautious about the unit price and ask for more information, including the total price of the goods selected, before making a purchase decision.
Under the TDO, any person who in the course of any trade or business applies a false trade description to any goods 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 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Committee on Innovation, Technology and Industry Development holds fifth meeting
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, chaired the fifth meeting of the Committee on Innovation, Technology and Industry Development (CITID) this afternoon (December 20).
At the meeting, members were briefed on the major initiatives in "The Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address" that were related to the purview of the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, as well as the key features of the Development Outline for the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (the Development Outline). Members then shared their views on the relevant measures as well as the development of the innovation and technology (I&T) industry.
Moreover, representatives from the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau briefed members on the "patent box" tax incentive and listened to their views on the relevant measures.
Professor Sun said, "This year’s Policy Address is entitled 'Reform for Enhancing Development and Building Our Future Together'. The development of I&T as well as new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions are investments for the future and necessary steps to take to facilitate societal progress, which in turn benefit people's livelihood. The Government will strive for an early implementation of the relevant measures announced in the Policy Address. The Development Outline was also recently promulgated on November 20, setting out the important development directions, strategy and target of the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (the Hong Kong Park) and leading the development of the Hong Kong Park through top-level design. The Government will join hands with all sectors of the community in promoting the high-quality development of the Hong Kong Park in the Loop."
Established on March 3, 2023, the CITID advises the Government on the directions and strategies as set out in the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint on promoting the development of I&T in Hong Kong, and enhances co-operation among stakeholders.
Committee on Innovation, Technology and Industry Development holds fifth meeting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Committee on Innovation, Technology and Industry Development holds fifth meeting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
