Hong Kong Customs alerts public on one model of unsafe folding chair (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs today (February 12) alerted members of the public to a potential falling hazard posed by one model of an unsafe folding chair.

     Customs earlier conducted a spot check operation on folding table and chair products and test-purchased a number of models of folding tables and chairs from retailers in the market for safety tests. Test results revealed that one model of a folding chair did not comply with the general safety requirements of the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance (CGSO). That model of folding chair did not pass the under load test when placed on an inclined surface, which could pose a falling risk to users.

     A prohibition notice was served on the retailer concerned, prohibiting the continued sale of that model of folding chair.

     An investigation is ongoing.

     Customs reminds members of the public to observe the following safety tips when purchasing and using folding chair products:
 

  • Check the stability of the folding chair after unfolding it and check if the locking device operates normally;
  • Sit down lightly first when using the folding chair and stop using it if the stability of the product is in doubt; 
  • Use the folding chair properly and avoid sitting towards one side of the chair;
  • Do not allow children to play with the product; and
  • Do not let unsupervised children use the product.

     Customs reminds traders to comply with the statutory requirements of the CGSO to protect the safety of consumers.

     Under the CGSO, it is an offence to supply, manufacture or import into Hong Kong consumer goods unless the goods comply with the general safety requirements for consumer goods. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and $500,000 and imprisonment for two years on subsequent conviction.

     Customs has been combating consistently the sale of products that fall short of the CGSO. Law enforcement action will be taken immediately if any violation of the CGSO is detected. 

     Members of the public with information relating to unsafe consumer goods may make a report via Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

Photo  


Tender amounts submitted for site in Tuen Mun

     The Lands Department announced today (February 12) that in respect of the tender for the site Tuen Mun Town Lot No. 518 at Castle Peak Road – Castle Peak Bay, Area 48, Tuen Mun, New Territories, which was awarded on January 13 to the successful tenderer, Ocean Regal Limited (parent company: Kaisa Group Holdings Ltd), on a 50-year land grant at a premium of $3,500,000,000, the tender amounts submitted by the unsuccessful tenderers in descending order are published on an anonymous basis as follows:
 

(1) $2,888,000,000
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
(13)
(14)
(15)		 $2,568,000,000
$2,368,188,000
$2,230,000,000
$2,060,280,000
$1,880,000,000
$1,813,800,000
$1,800,000,000
$1,560,000,000
$1,520,000,000
$1,500,000,000
$1,428,000,000
$1,203,000,000
$1,190,000,001
$1,000,000,000

 
     The information disclosed in this press release is for information only.



Import of poultry meat and products from Ostródzki District of Warmińsko-mazurskie in Poland and Ha Noi City in Vietnam suspended

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (February 12) that in view of notifications from the General Veterinary Inspectorate, Poland about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza in the Ostródzki District of WarmiÅ„sko-mazurskie in Poland and from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N6 avian influenza in Ha Noi City in Vietnam, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the above areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

     A CFS spokesman said that Hong Kong has currently established a protocol with Vietnam for the import of poultry eggs but not for poultry meat. According to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 17 720 tonnes of frozen poultry meat and 34.26 million poultry eggs from Poland and about 975 000 poultry eggs from Vietnam last year.

     "The CFS has contacted the Polish and Vietnamese authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the OIE and the relevant authorities on avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation," the spokesman said.



Phishing email related to The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited on phishing email, which has been reported to the HKMA. Hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website for ease of reference by members of the public.
 
     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the email concerned or has conducted any financial transactions through the email should contact the bank concerned using the contact information provided in the press release, and report to the Police or contact the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.



Effective Exchange Rate Index

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 is 106.8 (down 0.2 against yesterday's index).