HONG KONG: Hong Kong Customs today (May 24) advised members of the public to stop using a type of car charger with potential hazards. Test results have indicated that this type of car charger could pose a fire risk. Customs officers recently conducted a test-buy operation on a type of car charger for testing. The chargers, which had no brand name or model number, were purchased from a retailer. Subsequent safety tests revealed that the chargers pose a fire risk as their plastic enclosures provide insufficient heat and fire resistance, and do not comply with the safety requirements stipulated under the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The products, without a brand name and model number for consumers’ identification, also do not conform to the labelling requirement under the IEC.
Customs officers today issued the retailer with a prohibition notice, which stops the continued sale of the car charger. Under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance, 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. Members of the public are advised to buy quality car chargers with identification markings and model numbers from reputable shops to minimise the risk of obtaining unsafe products. For information relating to suspected unsafe consumer goods call the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or write to the Consumer Protection Bureau, Customs and Excise Department, 14/F, Customs Headquarters Building, 222 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong.
