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Consumer protection in Hong Kong

Consumer protection in Hong Kong
Hong Kong's Consumer Council is a watchdog focused on consumer rights and welfare.
CNT Security Company, chaired by retired senior police officer Peter Lee, has decided to cease operations before next April, leaving more than 2,000 jobs at risk. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong society

2,000 jobs at risk as leading Hong Kong security firm confirms impending closure

Decision to cease operations comes as a surprise to CNT Security Company staff and clients, with no prior indication of financial issues.

Crime in Hong Kong

Hong Kong wedding firm boss arrested as closure leaves couples in lurch

Hong Kong courts

Hong Kong’s Physical gym founders fined HK$24,000 for unpaid wages to 2 coaches

Vocational Training Council’s Alaina Shum to lead Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog

Shum set to start new role in August, succeeding Gilly Wong, who led watchdog for 13 years.

Alaina Shum will start her new role on August 21. Photo: Handout
European Union

Allergenic preservatives in 3 dough toys sold in Hong Kong exceed EU standards

Samples containing CMIT and MIT at levels exceeding EU upper limits are Creation Nation wheat dough, Sanrio clay from mainland China and Padico clay from Japan.

Hong Kong economy

Member loses HK$38,000 as Hong Kong branch of Singaporean 1880 club faces probe

Investigation launched after abrupt closure of private club, but members face ‘slim chance’ of membership and joining fees being refunded.

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Hong Kong economy

Wedding woes as Hong Kong firm’s suspected closure leaves couples in crisis

Complaints lodged against Ps Wedding & Event Decoration with more than HK$330,000 losses reported to the consumer watchdog.

Customs, which enforces the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, has posted a note on the door that says it is investigating the case. Photo: Handout
Mainland China

Ex-head of Hong Kong Consumer Council denies departure due to company apology

Gilly Wong says she stepped down earlier this month after suffering from two serious bouts of cold that prompted her to ‘reflect on life’.

Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Hong Kong private clinics must apply for licence from October, amid rules revamp

‘Negative vetting’ process will see licensing regime gazetted on Friday, following earlier moves targeting hospitals and day procedure centres.

Artificial intelligence

Opinion | Hong Kong firms must take initiative on safe AI practices

While leveraging AI to boost their competitive edge, companies should not allow the technology to run wild or become their new master.

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Hong Kong’s central business district and Victoria Harbour, on November 26 last year. While generative AI can help automate workflows and boost productivity, businesses must establish internal guidelines to mitigate catastrophic risks such as leakages of personal data. Photo: AFP
Switzerland

Hong Kong watchdog warns of burn risks after tests on non-stick frying pans

Consumer Council tests 24 models for fire safety risks, ability to reach standard cooking temperature and blistering, among other issues.

The Consumer Council tested 24 models of non-stick frying pans. Photo: Nora Tam
Hong Kong society

False step? Why you can’t count on data from some smartwatches, fitness trackers

Watchdog warns customers not to rely on smartwatches to track fitness levels for medical purposes, citing deviations of up to 74 per cent.

Animal welfare in Hong Kong

Hong Kong vets report higher rates of poor health for online-bought cats, dogs

Consumer watchdog teams up with wildlife authorities to survey veterinarians, and targets 18 online sellers of animals.

Hong Kong society

Letters | Hong Kong must come to grips with risks of prepaid service contracts

Readers discuss consumer protection in the wake of Alliance Medical Group’s closure, regulating pet sales, and the prospect of war between India and Pakistan.

A customer finds an Alliance Medical Group clinic in Tsim Sha Tsui closed on May 2. Photo: Jelly Tse
Crime in Hong Kong

Hong Kong customs arrests 2 over medical group’s abrupt closure

Company director and secretary of Alliance Medical Group detained, source says.

One of two people arrested by customs on Wednesday is a secretary of the medical group. Photo: Edmond So
Hong Kong

Hong Kong to review regulations after abrupt closure of Alliance Medical Group

City leader vows to better protect consumer rights by considering statutory cooling-off period or limiting duration of healthcare contracts.

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong consumer watchdog chief steps down, says ready to start ‘new chapter’

Gilly Wong says she hopes to take a short break and ‘embrace a more measured pace of living’ while exploring ‘new horizons’.

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Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Private hospital in limbo after Hong Kong clinic’s HK$400,000 debt: lawmaker

Chan Hoi-yan also says legal ‘loopholes’ need to be addressed as Alliance Medical Group’s suspected shutdown could be ‘tip of iceberg’.

A customer at Alliance Medical Group’s clinic in Tsim Sha Tsui. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong

Hong Kong consumer watchdog chief expected to leave after nearly 13 years: source

Gilly Wong’s departure set to be announced as soon as May 6, Post learns.

Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

458 complaints involving HK$2.7 million filed with Hong Kong watchdog over clinic

One doctor also says Alliance Medical Group, which shut its two clinics without warning, owes him as much as HK$800,000 in wages.

Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

469 complaints and reports lodged over suspected closure of Hong Kong clinic

Customers of Alliance Medical Group, which offers services including vaccinations for children, shocked to discover clinics shut without warning.

A letter from the Consumer Council had been slipped under the clinic’s door. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Popular Hong Kong clinic chain in hot water amid suspected closure

Many customers outraged after prepaying thousands for their children’s vaccinations at clinics under Alliance Medical Group.

A woman checks on the operations of an Alliance Medical Group clinic in Tsim Sha Tsui. Photo: Nora Tam
Hong Kong

Nicholas Tse fans fume over obstructed views at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium

Lawmakers call for organisers to be more transparent about seat views when selling tickets.

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Crime in Hong Kong

Hong Kong beauty centre closure sparks probe into HK$200,000 of prepaid packages

At least 22 complaints have been made with individual victims reporting losses ranging between HK$10,000 and HK$20,000.

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong family’s ‘chaotic’ Coldplay ticket experience prompts watchdog warning

Victim recounts multiple ‘misleading’ conversations with platform Viagogo, waiting in vain outside Kai Tak Stadium during concert.

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Vocalist Chris Martin performs during Coldplay’s concert at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on April 9, 2025. Photo: Harvey Kong
Coldplay

Coldplay in Hong Kong: watchdog receives 114 complaints over blocked views

Some concertgoers started complaining about seating arrangements following band’s first show, arguing obstructions were worse than expected.

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Coldplay vocalist Chris Martin performs during the band’s concert at Kai Tak Stadium on April 9. Photo: Harvey Kong
Hong Kong environmental issues

Hong Kong consumer watchdog finds 27.4% gap in air con energy efficiency

Consumer Council tests 12 models of inverter split-type air conditioners, says Daikin has highest electric bill savings.

Hong Kong society

Fewer benefits on most travel insurance for elderly, kids: Hong Kong watchdog

Ahead of Easter holiday, Consumer Council reveals that among 27 surveyed policies, 22 lowered maximum benefit limits for elderly and children.

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