ENG-2009 — Page 171

Commerce and Industry 119

providing one-stop consumer information covering a broad range of topics of interest to Mainland tourists.

Enforcement of Consumer Protection Legislation

The Customs and Excise Department carries out spot checks and investigations. to ensure that toys, children's products and consumer goods supplied in Hong Kong are safe, that the quantity of goods supplied in the course of trade by weight and measures is accurate, and to guard against false trade descriptions and mis- statements in respect of goods. In 2009, the department carried out 7 712 spot checks and concluded 2 287 investigations, including 3 301 spot checks and 448 investigations related to the newly enacted Trade Descriptions (Amendment) Ordinance 2008.

The Trade Descriptions (Amendment) Ordinance 2008 and its eight pieces of subsidiary legislation came into effect on March 2, 2009 to enhance consumer protection against dishonest sale practices. The Customs and Excise Department launched a series of publicity activities to introduce the new legislation to the general public and tourists. The department also set up quick response teams to deal with complaints received from short haul visitors.

The Government Laboratory provides analytical and advisory services to the Customs and Excise Department in the enforcement of the consumer protection legislation. In 2009, the laboratory carried out 36 763 tests to check the compliance of toys, children's products and consumer goods with relevant safety standards, and to determine the weight of retailed goods. It conducted on-site investigations to verify traders' balances and Liquefied Petroleum Gas dispensers in support of the enforcement of the Weights and Measures Ordinance. During the year, the laboratory carried out 7 718 tests to examine the fineness of gold articles and the represented composition of other commodities in relation to the investigation of fraudulent trade practices under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.

Review of Legislation on Consumer Protection

To combat misleading and other unfair trade practices, the Government was conducting a review on the consumer protection regime in Hong Kong to identify areas for improvements.

In December 2009, the Government introduced the Toys and Children's Products Safety (Amendment) Bill 2009 into the Legislative Council. The Bill sought to update the safety standards applicable to toys and specified children's products available in Hong Kong and align them with the most up-to-date, operative international standards and standards adopted by major economies.

Trade in Endangered Species

The Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance implements the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). It regulates the import, export, re-export, introduction from the sea or possession of endangered species. The commercial import, export and