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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.
Concerns about the product first emerged over the weekend after Macau authorities said tested samples from the flagged batch of formula were found to contain excessive levels of lead. Photo: Sun Yeung
Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Hong Kong parents rush babies for check-ups over infant formula lead scare

Mother tells SCMP that her five-month-old baby is in hospital for observation after consuming Friso batch flagged by Macau authorities.

Hong Kong

Over half of tested reading specs fail to list key details to prevent eye strain

Animal welfare in Hong Kong

Watchdog urges pet owners to be mindful of terms and conditions of insurance plans

Hong Kong

Customers seeking refunds during cooling-off period will need to pay admin fee

Under proposed changes, customers should shoulder a percentage of the total sum when they apply to cancel a contract, government says.

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The government’s proposals include a statutory seven-day cooling-off period and a 14-day refund window for fitness and beauty contracts. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Hong Kong IVF clinic ordered to halt most services after embryo specimen errors

Clinic apologises to affected clients and says it has set up an internal task force to conduct a review to improve procedures.

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Hong Kong society

Editorial | In curbing hard-sell tactics, Hong Kong must strike a balance

The consultation period must be used to work out issues to ensure robust laws that protect consumers, yet allow honest operators to thrive.

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Crime in Hong Kong

Cyberattack on Hong Kong’s Shun Hing Group affects data of 1 million people

Personal information of more than 920,000 customers, including their names, addresses and email addresses, involved in breach.

Shun Hing Group earlier revealed it had detected unauthorised access and damage to its computer systems caused by a cyberattack. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong economy

No plan to extend tighter rules to yoga and dance studios: Hong Kong official

Proposed rules would apply only to gyms and beauty parlours, which logged about 5,000 prepaid contract complaints over six years, official says.

Crime in Hong Kong

Hong Kong eyes cool-off period for beauty, gym deals to curb hard-sell tactics

Proposals aim at addressing enforcement gaps under Trade Descriptions Ordinance in sectors involving large prepayments and long-term contracts.

Hong Kong’s Consumer Council

Watchdog urges clearer terms as complaints about hotels near 1,000 annually

Hong Kong’s Consumer Council says hotels and online platforms should clearly spell out policies for refunds and booking changes.

The Consumer Council has called on hotels, guest houses and booking platforms to clearly define their respective responsibilities in the event of an amendment, cancellation or refund. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong’s Consumer Council

Claw machine operators told to get a grip on player complaints after 760% jump

Consumer Council data shows number of grievances involving claw machines has risen from 16 to 138 over three years.

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A man tries his luck at a claw machine outlet in Mong Kok. Photo: Dickson Lee
Hong Kong

Hong Kong parents warned of injury and choking risks from catapult and tangram toys

Customs also urges retailers to pull products from shelves after seizing 700 sets during operation.

Hong Kong

Top-rated air cons in Hong Kong vary by 33% in cooling efficiency, watchdog finds

Models tested included seven reverse-cycle air conditioners, while rest were cooling-only units.

Hong Kong society

Opinion | As claw machines proliferate, Hong Kong must regulate the unregulated

Given the addictive potential of the machines and complaints about rigging, regulation is a step in the right direction and must protect children.

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A person tries their luck at a claw machine in Causeway Bay on May 4. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong society

Personal info of 9,045 people compromised in Hong Kong private club data breach

Yau Yat Chuen Garden City Club’s management system rendered inoperable due to ransomware attack that encrypted information system files.

Yau Yat Chuen Garden City Club notified the privacy watchdog on October 31 last year that its club management system was rendered inoperable due to a ransomware attack. Photo: Jelly Tse
Crime in Hong Kong

Police arrest man on suspicion of stealing personal data of 56,000 patients

Employee of Hospital Authority contractor made an unauthorised entry into system and retrieved data.

Hong Kong society

Letters | Hong Kong consumers need not be at sea when it comes to oysters

Readers discuss safety when processing and consuming oysters, the handling of an incident on the MTR’s East Rail line, and school classroom management.

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Hong Kong society

Editorial | More transparency needed on fees and data for 24-hour gym memberships

As digital footprints expand, operators must be upfront with customers, who should also pause to read the fine print.

People work out in the Anytime Fitness gym at the Choi Wan Estate in Wong Tai Sin on March 16. Photo: Dickson Lee
Hong Kong society

Hong Kong watchdog warns 24-hour gym users of hidden costs, data privacy risks

Consumer Council urges users to weigh short-term costs and review privacy terms before signing up, with fees and policies varying citywide.

Hong Kong

Video | Taiwanese band Mayday angers fans by changing Hong Kong date

The Hong Kong concert scheduled for March 24 was moved to March 29.

Hong Kong economy

Over 170 complaints filed after Mayday shifts Hong Kong show: Consumer Council

Watchdog says 80 complaints came from residents and rest from fans outside city, primarily mainland China.

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Taiwanese band Mayday performs at the Kai Tak Stadium in May 2025. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong entertainment

Sour note for fans after Taiwanese rock band Mayday switches Hong Kong date

Veteran rockers’ show originally scheduled for March 24 cancelled, with new concert added on March 29.

Mayday putting on a show at Kai Tak Stadium last year. Photo: Handout
Centre for Food Safety (HK)

Editorial | Food poisoning cases in Hong Kong must prompt swift mitigation efforts

Amid the latest spate of illnesses, the city needs to adopt proactive and transparent strategies to ensure that customers can dine safely.

Gucci

Hong Kong watchdog finds fragrance allergens in Gucci, Bvlgari perfumes

Consumer Council warns perfumes containing excessive fragrance chemicals may lead to ‘cocktail effect’, increasing health risks.

Hong Kong

Unclear parking rates flagged after Hongkonger charged HK$1,210 for full day

Consumer Council says complaints about car-park services have remained persistently high in recent years, with 120 cases recorded in 2025.

The car park inside Queens Hill Estate in Fanling. Photo: Edmond So
Hong Kong society

Hongkonger denied refund despite HK$170,000 hair transplant ‘falling out’ in a year

Consumer Council warns against exaggerated claims of effectiveness after surge in complaints over scalp inflammation, artificial hair detachment.

Complaints related to hair transplant, hair growth, and hair and scalp care services reached 33, 19 and 13, respectively, between 2023 and 2025. Photo: Shutterstock
Hong Kong

Spanish firm joins list of oyster suppliers linked to food poisoning cases

Centre for Food Safety reveals latest results of investigation into dozens of recent food poisoning cases.

Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Hong Kong toddler suspected to have fallen ill from tainted milk formula

Authorities also order 390 cans of Aptamil Profutura milk formula from Germany be taken off shelves.

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