Section 10
Serving Industry
Industrial consultant examining the structure of steel under a microscope in the heat treatment laboratory.
48
The Government's role in industrial development is to ensure the best possible framework within which industry can operate profitably. Whilst maintaining liberal policies, it provides an efficient infrastructure and, together with several non-government institu- tions, a variety of services to meet industry's needs.
Technical and Quality Standards
There are no laws requiring local manufacturers to meet specific technical or quality standards, other than those designed solely to protect their users from danger. Hong Kong manufacturers are, however, increasingly aware of the importance of maintaining high quality standards. Goods are usually produced to standards specified by buyers or by importing coun- tries. Many Hong Kong factories have also, through their own efforts, become known in world markets for the high quality of their products.
Product testing and quality certification services are provided by private sector laboratories, including the Standards and Testing Centre of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, the Testing and Certification Centre of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association and several other highly reputable laboratories which are recognised by many international testing authorities. These laboratories are equipped to conduct tests according to international standards or buyers' specifi- cations on a wide range of products including textiles, toys, electrical and electronic products, plastics, chemi- cals, food-stuffs, watches and footwear. Information on these laboratories and their services is available from the Trade Industry and Customs Department.
The Hong Kong Government is aware that top class quality certification services are of great assistance in ensuring the standing of Hong Kong's goods with customers and potential customers. It will continue to support the kind of reputable and professional testing facilities which are being provided by the private sector, and is considering what else needs to be done to supplement private sector activity in this area.
Health and Safety Standards
To avoid Hong Kong's overseas trade reputation being brought into disrepute by the manufacture of products which might constitute a hazard to health or safety, the Department operates an inspection and testing system under which samples of materials used in various factories are tested each month by the Government Chemist. On health and safety standards the Government's policy is to educate rather than to restrict.
However, in isolated cases, where it is determined that certain products present danger to health and safety, and where it is in the interest of Hong Kong as a whole to do so, the Department is prepared to prohibit exports of the products concerned until a satisfactory solution is found. In conjunction with leading com- mercial and industrial organisations, the Department
}
Page 90Page 91
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.