ENG-2020 — Page 137

5

Commerce and Industry

The department carries out spot checks and investigations to ensure toys, children's products and consumer goods supplied locally are safe and that the quantity of goods supplied in the course of trade by weight and other measures is accurate, and to guard against false trade descriptions and other unfair trade practices over goods and services. In 2020, the department carried out 6,959 spot checks and concluded 305 enforcement cases.

The Government Laboratory provides analytical and advisory services to the department in the enforcement of consumer protection legislation, and conducts on-site investigations to support the enforcement of the Weights and Measures Ordinance. In 2020, the laboratory carried out 33,869 tests to check the compliance of toys, children's products and consumer goods with safety standards, and to determine the weight of retail goods. It also carried out 5,722 tests to examine the authenticity of commodities and the correctness of trade descriptions under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.

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. It regulates the import, export, re-export, introduction from the sea or possession of endangered species. The commercial import, export and re-export of highly endangered species are prohibited, and international trade in less endangered species is subject to licensing requirements.

The ordinance is enforced by both the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Customs and Excise Department. It provides for a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment of up to 10 years. In 2020, there were 11,272 licences and certificates issued and 25 convictions.

Websites

Commerce and Economic Development Bureau: www.cedb.gov.hk Competition Commission: www.compcomm.hk

Consumer Council: www.consumer.org.hk

Create Hong Kong: www.createhk.gov.hk

Film Development Council: www.fdc.gov.hk

Film Services Office: www.fso-createhk.gov.hk

Intellectual Property Department: www.ipd.gov.hk

Special Effects Licensing Unit: www.createhk-esela.gov.hk

97