HONG KONG: Hong Kong Customs today (July 24) conducted a spot check operation in Sham Shui Po and Wan Chai, and ordered two retailers in Sham Shui Po to store 215 suspected unsafe “electric shock” toys in specified places. During the operation, Customs officers found the suspected unsafe “electric shock” toys which look like imitation gun, mah-jong, dice, poker and pen etc. The toys were not attached with any identification markings (the full name and the address of the manufacturer, the importer or the supplier) and/or applicable bilingual warnings or cautions (warnings or cautions with respect to the safe keeping, use, consumption or disposal), suspected of having contravened the Toys and Children’s Products Safety Ordinance (TCPSO) and its subsidiary legislation. Customs will arrange tests for the toys and continue operation with a view to protecting consumers’ safety. Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of TCPSO. Meanwhile, parents should be aware of the safety of toys in the market. They should take heed of the warnings and the usage instructions on the toys beforehand to ensure the safe use of toys.
Under the TCPSO, it is an offence to import, manufacture or supply toys for local consumption unless the toys comply with prescribed safety standards. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years on subsequent conviction. Members of the public with information relating to suspected unsafe toys or children’s products may 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.
