Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Celebration events for 29th anniversary of establishment of HKSAR
The flag-raising ceremony will be held at Golden Bauhinia Square outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in Wan Chai at 8am. Community leaders and members of uniformed groups will attend the ceremony. No public viewing area will be set up. The Police Band will perform at the ceremony, and a choir from Belilios Public School and Queen’s College will sing the national anthem under the lead of two singers, Mr Albert Lim and Ms Vivian Yau, followed by a fly-past and a sea parade by the disciplined services.
The celebration reception, officiated by the Chief Executive, will be held at the Grand Hall on Level 3 of the HKCEC after the flag-raising ceremony.
Motorists are reminded that the Police will implement special traffic arrangements at Golden Bauhinia Square and the nearby area during the celebration events.
Issued at HKT 16:00
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Ombudsman announces results of four direct investigation operations
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:
The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (June 29) announced the completion of four direct investigation operations, which examine the Government’s determination of slope maintenance responsibility and risk management of private slopes, the management of countryside facilities, the arrangements for counter services at the Licensing Offices of the Transport Department (TD), and combating unlawful occupation of government land. A total of 127 improvement recommendations were made.
• consider extending the requirement to input all applicants’ identification numbers when obtaining same-day queue tickets to other counter services;
Hospital Authority Family Medicine Outpatient Services arrangements on HKSAR Establishment Day holiday
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Government launches public consultation on policy proposals relating to Trade Descriptions Ordinance
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Government today (June 29) launched a two-month public consultation on policy proposals relating to the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).
The Government has always been committed to safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of consumers. It endeavours to ensure that consumers are well protected through the establishment of an effective, transparent, fair and just regime, while maintaining a favourable business environment. Over the years, the Government has actively enhanced relevant legislation and consumer protection measures in response to the latest consumer trends and market situations. The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) and the Consumer Council have also been combating unfair trade practices through enforcement actions and publicity and public education respectively.
Notwithstanding the diverse consumer protection measures currently in place, the Government has noted the prevalence of the pre-payment mode of consumption in the beauty and fitness services industries, which has given rise to problems from time to time. In recent years, the sudden business closure of a large chain fitness and beauty group also resulted in financial losses for many consumers, drawing widespread concerns in the community. This reveals the ongoing problem of the pre-payment mode of consumption in relevant industries and the considerable risks faced by consumers under unfair trade practices. In this connection, the Government has conducted a comprehensive review of the TDO, taking into account practices in other jurisdictions and various factors.
A Government spokesman stated, “Issues such as improper selling tactics and risks of the pre-payment mode of consumption are concentrated in the beauty and fitness services industries. Complaints involving the beauty and fitness services industries accounted for nearly 90 per cent among industries with the highest tendency for improper selling tactics. Consumers often enter into contracts of long duration involving substantial pre-payments under aggressive commercial practices and/or persuasion selling tactics.
“Meanwhile, complaints concerning wrongly accepting payment mainly stem from traders’ inability to deliver the services to consumers in accordance with the commitments made after accepting pre-payment owing to various reasons (including business closure). Between the period of 2020 and 2025, beauty and fitness services took up the largest portion of complaints involving wrongly accepting payment at around 50 per cent. There are certain limitations under the existing TDO on the C&ED’s investigation work, and situations of evading investigations could not be effectively prevented.”
The spokesman emphasised, “With growing concern in the community regarding high-pressure and persuasion selling tactics, as well as the risks of the pre-payment mode of consumption, the Government has to step up its efforts to provide better protection to consumers, while respecting the freedom of contract to maintain a favourable business environment in Hong Kong. Therefore, the more pragmatic direction is to adopt a targeted approach, stipulating proportionate regulatory measures on industries that are most prone to improper selling tactics and specific contracts involving large amounts of pre-payments.”
Based on the above situation and policy principles, the Government has put forward the following three policy proposals in the public consultation document:
(1) Stipulating a statutory cooling-off period on pre-paid consumer contracts for beauty and fitness services to provide consumers with room to reconsider their pre-payment decisions following the conclusion of contracts. The key proposals include:
*The proposed cooling-off period is seven calendar days, and the proposed refund period is 14 calendar days.
*A regulatory threshold based on the contract amount will be set up. The proposed thresholds for consideration include (i) $3,000 or above; (ii) $8,000 or above; or (iii) $15,000 or above. This would protect consumers while minimising the impact on small-value transactions.
(2) Imposing a statutory limit on contract duration and other restrictions on pre-paid consumer contracts for beauty and fitness services to reduce the risks of the pre-payment mode of consumption. The key proposals include:
*The proposed limit on contract duration is two years, providing a useful indicator for consumers to evaluate whether the pre-payment amount is reasonable, while minimising the impact on the majority of contracts bearing relatively more reasonable durations.
*It is proposed that traders be prohibited from entering into a contract with consumers that takes effect later than three months after the contract is entered into.
(3) Including Section 13I of the TDO pertaining to the offence of wrongly accepting payment into Schedule 1 to the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance to empower the C&ED with additional investigatory and enforcement powers, including prohibiting any person from dealing with a relevant property through a restraint order from the court. The proposal aims to handle cases involving wrongly accepting payment more effectively, and enhance the deterrent effect on unscrupulous traders.
The consultation document has been uploaded to the website of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (www.cedb.gov.hk/en/news-and-related-information/consultation-papers.html), and the key points of the detailed proposals are set out in the Annex.
The Government will organise consultation sessions to brief the beauty and fitness industries on the details of the policy proposals and to listen to their views and suggestions. Members of the public and the trade may submit their views by email (tdo-review@cedb.gov.hk), fax (2869 4420) or mail (Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, 23/F, West Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong).
HyD signs works contract for Widening of Yuen Long Highway (Section between Lam Tei Quarry and Tong Yan San Tsuen Interchange)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Highways Department (HyD) today (June 29) signed a works contract with the Gammon Construction – Build King – Tung Lee Joint Venture for the Widening of Yuen Long Highway (Section between Lam Tei Quarry and Tong Yan San Tsuen Interchange), marking the official commencement of the construction stage of the HyD’s first strategic road infrastructure project for the Northern Metropolis, fully supporting its long-term development.
The scope of works mainly comprises the widening of an approximately 3-kilometre-long section of Yuen Long Highway between Lam Tei Quarry and Tong Yan San Tsuen Interchange from a dual three-lane carriageway to a dual four-lane carriageway; the widening of a section of the slip road connecting Hung Tin Road (southbound) and Yuen Long Highway (eastbound) from a single-lane carriageway to a two-lane carriageway; and the construction of noise barriers with a total length of approximately 2.1km to mitigate the traffic noise impact on nearby residents.
During the planning and design stages, the project team had been seeking more cost-effective construction methods, including optimising the design of retaining walls and noise barriers to reduce construction costs, minimise the scale of works and shorten the construction period. The project team will continue to uphold a proactive and innovative mindset and closely collaborate with the contractor. While ensuring the safety and quality of works, the team will strive to control the cost, enhance construction efficiency, and minimise the impact on nearby residents and existing traffic during construction.
The estimated total contract sum is about $1.37 billion, with targeted completion in 2031. Upon completion of the project, the overall traffic capacity of this section of Yuen Long Highway will be substantially enhanced to meet the traffic demands of the Northern Metropolis (including the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area and Yuen Long South New Development Area in the Northwest New Territories), delivering substantial benefits to the development of the Northern Metropolis.
Measures seek to boost yacht visits
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Marine Department today announced the implementation of measures to encourage more yachts from the Greater Bay Area and around the world to visit Hong Kong.
The department said its three measures will streamline the vetting procedures and enhance the efficiency of port formalities. The ultimate aim is to help the city develop into a yachting hub in Asia.
The measures involve enhancing the Electronic Business System (eBS), relaxing berth requirements, and supporting masters of visiting yachts from the Chinese Mainland to obtain Hong Kong qualifications.
Launched today, the eBS allows the owner or master of a visiting yacht, without the need to engage a local agent, to set up a personal account and conduct one-stop submission of arrival information for preliminary vetting by Hong Kong authorities.
The owner or master can also complete port formalities for their vessel and settle fees via the system.
The department has also developed a Dynamic Yacht Monitoring System, which allows visiting yachts to navigate safely in Hong Kong waters and to anchor in designated areas, without having to reserve berths at privately operated yacht clubs or piers.
The five designated anchorage areas are located at Stanley Bay, Tai Tam Bay, Repulse Bay, Three Fathoms Cove in Sai Kung, and Tai O. Users must have equipped their yachts with an Automatic Identification System and a Very High Frequency radio.
Additionally, the department has authorised the relevant Mainland authority to conduct “Hong Kong Waters Local Knowledge Examinations” on the Mainland. It has also approved seven training institutions to offer recognised training courses.
The department added that as of mid-June the first batch of Mainland yacht masters had successfully passed the examination or received training.
Park inspections to be enhanced
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department has iterated that it is committed to enhancing the management standards of country parks.
The department made the statement in response to an investigative report, released today by the Office of The Ombudsman, on the Government’s work on the management of countryside facilities.
It said it accepts the Ombudsman’s recommendations and will make every effort to implement them. It added that some of the measures have already been initiated or completed.
The specific measures include enhancing facility maintenance and inspections at country parks; improving the system for monitoring the performance of cleaning contractors; allocating additional resources, hiring contractors, and adopting new designs to improve the maintenance of facilities such as rain shelters; updating the contents of the country park visitor questionnaire and the “Enjoy Hiking” website; and providing GPX files for all trails on the website.
The department said it agrees with the Ombudsman’s recommendations on strengthening public education and the dissemination of information. It is currently developing several publicity channels, including establishing a YouTube account for Hong Kong Country Parks and applying to open an official Xiaohongshu account.
It will continue to work with relevant government departments to strengthen the management of ecotourism hotspots during weekends, public holidays and the Mainland Golden Week holidays as necessary.
It will also explore co-operation with other organisations to deepen education and publicity with regard to the protection of country parks and hiking safety awareness.
BSMI Announces Implementation of Inspection Requirements for Nine Product Categories, Including Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment, Effective July 1, 2026
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
The Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs announced today (June 23) that new inspection requirements covering nine product categories will take effect on July 1, 2026. The newly regulated products include electric vehicle charging equipment rated at 30 kW or below, power conversion systems rated at 20 kW or below, stationary lithium energy storage systems with a capacity of 20 kWh or below, lithium battery packs for energy storage with capacities ranging from 1 kWh to 20 kWh, seven types of rechargeable household appliances such as electric mosquito swatters, and plastic puzzle ground mats. In addition, energy efficiency requirements for automotive tires will be introduced, while inspection requirements for Portland cement and wooden board commodities will be revised to further enhance product safety and quality.
BSMI explained that electric vehicle charging equipment, power conversion systems, stationary lithium energy storage systems, and lithium battery packs for energy storage are increasingly being installed in residential and other environments. At the same time, advances in battery technology have led to the widespread use of rechargeable batteries in household appliances, including electric mosquito swatters. To ensure consumer safety, these products will be brought under mandatory inspection and tested in accordance with national standards harmonized with international standards.
The requirements cover key safety aspects such as insulation performance, thermal stability, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and flame retardancy. To better protect children’s health and reduce exposure to hazardous substances such as phthalates and formamide, plastic puzzle ground mats will also be subject to mandatory inspection requirements. Beginning July 1, 2026, these products must comply with applicable inspection requirements and complete the required conformity assessment procedures before being placed on the market.
In line with global sustainability trends, BSMI is introducing additional energy efficiency requirements for automobile tyres, including rolling sound emission, wet grip braking performance, and rolling resistance coefficient, to enhance energy efficiency and driving comfort. Meanwhile, to promote the reuse of waste materials in cement production and advance circular economy objectives, a chloride ion testing requirement will be included in the inspection requirements for Portland cement to ensure that the introduction of alternative raw materials does not compromise cement quality and stability. Inspection standards and testing methods for wooden board commodities will be revised to improve inspection efficiency.
To safeguard consumer rights and product safety, BSMI will continue to collect and assess safety information on emerging products, require mandatory inspection for products with potential safety concerns, and regularly review and update these requirements. Manufacturers are urged to comply with applicable safety and labeling requirements. Consumers are advised to purchase products bearing the Commodity Inspection Mark and to ensure that relevant electrical equipment is evaluated and installed by qualified electrical contractors designated by the manufacturer.
Details of the newly announced inspection requirements are available on the BSMI website (https://www.bsmi.gov.tw/wSite/mp?mp=2) under News > Regulatory Updates > Announcements of Adoption. For further information, please visit the website or contact BSMI’s toll-free service line at 0800-007123.
Responsible Division: Inspection Administration Division
Contact Person: Mr. Cheng, Ching-Hong, Deputy Director
Tel. (O): +886-2343-1700#1211
Email: ch.cheng@bsmi.gov.tw
Views sought on 7-day cooling period
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Government today launched a two-month public consultation on policy proposals relating to the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO), including a statutory seven-day cooling-off period on pre-paid consumer contracts for beauty and fitness services.
Explaining the proposals, it said issues such as improper selling tactics and risks stemming from pre-payment models are particularly concentrated in the beauty and fitness services industries. Consumers often enter into long contracts involving substantial pre-payments under the sway of aggressive commercial practices or persuasive sales tactics.
It added that there are limitations to the existing TDO in terms of investigatory work by Customs.
A comprehensive review of the ordinance has therefore been conducted, with reference to various factors, including practices. Various policy proposals are included in the public consultation document.
The statutory cooling-off period on pre-paid consumer contracts for beauty and fitness services is intended to give consumers room to reconsider any pre-payment agreements. The proposed cooling-off period is seven calendar days, and the proposed refund period is 14 calendar days.
A regulatory threshold based on the contract amount would be established. Proposed thresholds for consideration include $3,000 and above, $8,000 and above or $15,000 and above.
The Government also proposes imposing a statutory two-year limit on contract durations, as well as other restrictions on pre-paid beauty and fitness contracts. Moreover, traders would be prohibited from entering into a contract with consumers any more than thre months in advance of the contract taking effect.
In addition, the Government proposes adding Section 13I of the TDO, which pertains to the offence of wrongly accepting payment, to Schedule 1 of the Organized & Serious Crimes Ordinance. This would empower Customs with additional investigatory and enforcement powers, including the power to seek restraint orders in court.
The Government will organise consultation sessions to brief the beauty and fitness industries on the policy proposals and to listen to their views and suggestions.
The trade and members of the public can submit views by email, by fax to 2869 4420, or by mail to the Commerce & Economic Development Bureau, 23/F, West Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong.
Wang Fuk Court buyout progressing
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
As of this morning, about 82.4% of Wang Fuk Court owners had submitted signed Letters of Acceptance confirming their intention to sell their titles to the Government.
The Government announced last Friday that its long-term housing arrangement plan has been extended to owners of units at Wang Chi House, Block H of the estate, and reported that acquisition work is progressing.
The Housing Bureau said today that a total of 1,635 signed Letters of Acceptance had been received from the owners of Wang Fuk Court’s eight buildings.
Breaking this down, 1,429 letters came from Blocks A to G, representing about 82.3% of the total number of flats in these seven buildings. A further 206 letters came from owners at Wang Chi House, representing about 83% of the ownership.
Tomorrow is the deadline for owners who wish to secure flat selection priority in the first batch under the planned Special Sales Exercise.
The bureau called on other owners to submit Letters of Acceptance before the deadline.
Owners can submit signed Letters of Acceptance using the return envelope enclosed with their Letter of Offer by post, by hand or by courier. For owners who opt to send the return by post, the postmark date will be taken as the submission date. Owners can also choose to submit their letters in person to the drop-off box at the Housing Authority Headquarters, or hand them over to their designated Engagement Team member.