HONG KONG: A second-hand car dealer was sentenced to a fine of $40,000 and imprisonment of two months suspended for two years today (May 25) at Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts for supplying a second-hand vehicle with a false trade description, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).
Hong Kong Customs received a complaint in late October 2015 against a second-hand car trading company in Hung Hom which was alleged to have made a false claim to consumer. After investigation, it was revealed that the second-hand car trading company purchased from a second-hand dealer a second-hand vehicle with an odometer reading (mileage) of 43,000 kilometers. Subsequently, it was confirmed that the vehicle’s actual mileage exceeded 100,000 kilometers.
Customs reminded 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 in possession of any goods for sale with a false trade description, 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 the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
