HONG KONG: Hong Kong Customs today (September 14) alerted members of the public to the potential hazards posed by six models of scooter. Test results indicated that the products could pose a risk of hand entrapment and falling down to users. The plastic packing bags might also pose a risk of suffocation. Customs officers recently conducted spot checks at various districts and test-bought 10 models of scooter available in the market for safety tests. Results from the Government Laboratory revealed that six of them failed to comply with the requirements stipulated in the International Standard ISO 8124 and the European Standard BS EN 71 and might pose a risk of hand entrapment and falling down to users. The plastic packing bags might also pose a risk of suffocation. Prohibition notices were served to the retailers and distributor concerned on supplying the scooters.
Customs suggests that parents read the warning labels and operation manuals of the scooters, and provide supervision to ensure children’s safety in the course of using the scooters. Under the Toys and Children’s Products Safety Ordinance, it is an offence to import, manufacture or supply toys 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.
