Source: Xinhua
02-24-2009 08:22
HONG KONG, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Trade Descriptions Ordinance(Amendment) 2008 and its eight pieces of related subsidiary legislation will come into effect on March 2, said the Hong Kong Customs here Monday.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Head of Trade Descriptions and Transhipment Controls Bureau of Customs and Excise Department of Hong Kong Marcus Lau said the amendment to the ordinance aimed to prohibit dishonest sales practices employed by retailers to enhance protection of consumers, including visitors to Hong Kong.
Under the new ordinance, unscrupulous trade practices prohibited will include making false representations regarding after-sale services and warranties for goods; giving misleading, unclear or incomplete information as to the price of the goods set by reference to a unit of quantity; giving misleading price indication for electronic products; and making false or misleading representation regarding a retailer's connection with or endorsement by individuals or bodies of good standing and reputation.
The eight pieces of newly enacted or revised sub-legislation under the amendment ordinance give a statutory definition of diamond and natural jade. They also raise the standard of fineness of pure gold from 990 to 999.
Retail shops selling products of gold, platinum, diamond and natural jade are required to issue to the buyers invoices or receipts containing the prescribed product information.
Retail shops selling five types of regulated electronic products including digital audio players, digital camcorders, digital cameras, mobile phones and portable multimedia players have to issue to the buyers invoices or receipts containing the prescribed product information, including details of after-sale services.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, retailers employing a deceptive trade practice in the course of business are subject to the maximum penalty of a fine of 500,000 HK dollars (about 64,102 U.S. dollars) and imprisonment for five years.
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Editor:Qin Yongjing
