Consumers call for reviews to plug loopholes in amended ordinance

More than a week after the amended Trade Descriptions Ordinance kicked in, consumers remain confused about the specifics of the new law, with some urging the government to look into the grey areas.

Three out of eight shoppers in Mong Kok randomly polled by the late last week had little idea what the new law was about.

"Shops cannot quote a minimum price for a product," said one shopper in her 40s, referring to advertisements displaying their cheapest prices or largest discounts.

But her understanding of the law was wrong. Under the amended ordinance, the basic requirement for traders is that they should be able to offer the bargain product advertised, and the maximum discount advertised should apply to at least one-tenth of their goods being sold.

Over at Causeway Bay, more shoppers had heard about the law. They were concerned traders would eventually find ways to get around the rules.

Some said the government should conduct frequent reviews to plug any loopholes. "The government should try to review and amend the law once every two or three years, as traders are increasingly able to come up with new tactics to mislead the public," said one shopper.