In recent years, the rapid development of e-commerce has made both local online shops and Mainland shopping platforms convenient and time-saving options for Hong Kong consumers. At the same time, many local residents travel to the Mainland to purchase a wide variety of products to bring back to Hong Kong. However, there are differences in the standards for certain consumer goods between the Mainland and Hong Kong. For instance, household electrical appliances, electronic products, gas appliances, toys and children’s products are all regulated by relevant legislation in Hong Kong, with specific safety standards in place. Improper installation and usage not only pose safety risks, but may also result in liability for compensation for any damage caused thereby. If a regulated item is purchased, the consumer may even face prosecution. While cross-boundary shopping offers more choices, it also involves legal and safety risks. Consumers should exercise caution when making purchases. Apart from verifying product certification (such as the Mainland’s 3C Certification), consumers must also confirm whether the product complies with Hong Kong legislation. In particular, when purchasing electrical appliances, priority should be given to products that meet Hong Kong specifications to avoid long-term reliance on plug adaptors. Certain products (such as gas appliances) must be installed by qualified personnel, and consumers should opt for energy-efficient products to safeguard safety and legal rights. As market integration and regulatory collaboration between Hong Kong and the Mainland continue to deepen, the Consumer Council hopes that both sides will gradually advance harmonisation of standards, so as to promote mutual recognition and consistency in product safety and consumer protection.
Legally Imported Products May Not Be Suitable for Use in Hong Kong
Unless expressly prohibited by Hong Kong law, consumers may generally bring various goods into Hong Kong via online shopping or personal purchase from around the world. However, this does not mean that all products are suitable or safe for use in Hong Kong. For example, household electrical products must comply with relevant safety standards under the Electrical Products (Safety) Regulation and obtain relevant certification. The Toys and Children’s Products Safety Ordinance stipulates that toys and children’s products must meet the “general safety requirement” and applicable safety standards, and requires designated products such as children’s cots, high chairs and walking frames to meet specific international standards. The Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance requires products to comply with the “general safety requirement” or the approved standard. However, these requirements do not apply to products brought in for personal use. Unless consumers possess relevant professional knowledge, it may be difficult for consumers to determine whether such products comply with Hong Kong’s safety legislation.
Mainland 3C Certified Products May Not Fully Comply with Hong Kong Regulatory Safety Requirements
“3C” is the Mainland’s compulsory product safety certification system, covering a total of 109 types of products under 17 categories, including household electrical appliances, electronic products, power tools, automotive safety accessories and parts, lighting equipment, and children’s products, etc. All such products must pass safety tests in accordance with China’s national standards (GB) and bear the “3C” (CCC) mark before they can be sold in the Mainland. Since 28 June this year, the Civil Aviation Administration of China has imposed restrictions on portable chargers (power banks) carried on Mainland flights, prohibiting those without a “3C” mark, with unclear markings, or those belonging to recalled models or batches. However, “3C” is a Mainland safety certification, while Hong Kong’s product safety legislation is formulated based on local conditions and safety risks, with different regulatory requirements. Therefore, even if a product is 3C certified, it may not fully comply with the requirements of Hong Kong’s safety legislation.
Long-term Use of Plug Adaptors for Electrical Appliances Increases Overheating and Short-circuiting Risks
In recent years, many consumers purchase household electrical appliances from the Mainland via online platforms. However, Hong Kong regulations require electrical appliances to use 3-pin plugs that conform to BS 1363 or BS 546 standard, which must be fitted with a fuse-link and insulating sleeves, and clearly indicate the rated current. For household electrical appliances designed for bathroom shaver power supply, 2-round-pin plugs conforming to BS 4573 or EN 50075 standards may be used. In contrast, the Mainland commonly uses 2-flat-pin or 3-slanted-pin plugs, which differ from Hong Kong standards. The Council reminds consumers that long-term use of plug adaptors or self-replacement of plugs, especially for high-power household electrical appliances such as air conditioners or electric water heaters, increases the risk of overheating, short circuits and even fire hazards. Plug replacement must be carried out by registered electrical workers. Consumers should never attempt to replace plugs themselves.
Large Household Appliances and Gas Appliances Must Be Installed by Registered Personnel
Consumers planning to purchase high-risk products (such as gas appliances) across the boundary must pay attention to installation requirements, as improper installation may pose life-threatening risks. According to the Gas Safety Ordinance and relevant codes of practice in Hong Kong, domestic gas appliances must be approved by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and bear the GU mark. All gas appliances must be installed by registered gas installers and should undergo safety inspections every 18 months. Consumers should also note that Hong Kong has fully banned the installation of flueless gas water heaters. Offenders may be fined HK$10,000. In addition, household appliances such as air conditioners, washing machines and electric water heaters that require fixed wiring must be installed by registered electrical contractors. Failure to do so may result in a fine of HK$50,000 and imprisonment for 6 months. If air conditioners use mildly flammable refrigerants (such as R32), installation must comply with the manufacturer’s specified minimum room area and installation height requirements, be carried out by professionally trained technicians, and comply with the Fire Services Ordinance.
Strict Regulations on Controlled Items
Import Without Permit May Lead to Prosecution
In recent years, many consumers travel to the Mainland to purchase daily necessities back to Hong Kong. However, they must be aware that Hong Kong imposes strict import regulations on certain controlled items, and importing such items without a permit may lead to prosecution. For example, importing game, meat, poultry and eggs requires written permission from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and/or health certificates; Importing animals (mammals, birds, reptiles), endangered plants and animals requires a permit issued by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department; Medicines exceeding reasonable quantities for personal use carried in hand luggage require an import licence from the Department of Health; Fireworks and firecrackers require a permit from the Civil Engineering and Development Department. In addition, certain products are classified as prohibited imports, including electronic cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products, and importing them into Hong Kong may result in fines and imprisonment.
The Council urges consumers to pay attention to the following when engaging in cross-boundary shopping:
- Choose reputable traders and online shopping platforms, and avoid patronising unknown sellers. Refer to other buyers’ reviews and experiences;
- Select products with specification details (such as brand, model and rated voltage). Carefully read labels, rated voltage, current and safety warnings, and choose household electrical appliances with compliant 3-pin plugs. Avoid long-term use of plug adaptors or self-replacement of plugs;
- Confirm whether the product is 3C certified and verify the authenticity of the certification via official platforms;
- Improper installation or use of electrical appliances may result in property damage, personal injury or even death. If negligence causes harm to third parties, consumers may be liable for compensation. Even if consumers have purchased home or liability insurance, improper installation or use of household electrical appliances, product defects or resulting third-party losses may not be covered, depending on the policy terms;
- Online shopping platforms often include service agreements stating that products only comply with local safety standards and usage habits. If products are used outside the local area or pose safety risks, consumers may not be able to pursue claims for resulting losses;
- Retain transaction records and screenshots to serve as evidence in case of future complaints or returns, although claims may need to be pursued locally depending on the terms;
- Consumers should pay attention to after-sales service arrangements for cross-boundary online shopping. Returns or repairs may require self-arranged cross-boundary shipping and related costs;
- Choose energy-efficient products to help save energy and reduce carbon emissions.
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