In this course · 2 of 8
Course 5
Customers, data and payments
8 lessons · 8 min
- 1What does the Trade Descriptions Ordinance require of online product listings?
- 2Is there a cooling-off period for online purchases in Hong Kong?
- 3What product safety rules apply to consumer goods sold online in Hong Kong?
- 4What do I need to do with customer data to comply with Hong Kong privacy law?
- 5Do I need consent to send marketing emails or WhatsApp messages in Hong Kong?
- 6How do Stripe, PayPal and other payment gateways work for a Hong Kong online store?
- 7How can an online company open a bank account in Hong Kong?
- 8Can an online store sell gift cards or store credit without a licence?
The short answer
No. Hong Kong has no general cooling-off or return right for online purchases. Goods must match their description, be of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose (Sale of Goods Ordinance, Cap. 26), and wrongful non-delivery can be an offence. Beyond that, returns follow the seller's stated policy.
Hong Kong does not have a general statutory cooling-off period for ordinary online purchases of goods, in the way some other places do. Customers' rights come from other laws:
- Sale of Goods Ordinance: goods sold in the course of business must correspond with their description and be of satisfactory quality. If they do not, the buyer may have remedies including rejecting the goods, subject to conditions.
- Trade Descriptions Ordinance: taking payment and not supplying the goods within the promised or a reasonable time, without a refund, can be an unfair trade practice.
- Your own policy: a refund or exchange policy you advertise is a statement the Ordinance can apply to. Say clearly who pays return shipping, any restocking fee, time limits and exclusions, and apply them as written.
Exclusion terms that try to remove these rights may be limited by law in consumer contracts. The Consumer Council gives practical guidance on disputes. The position could change if the law is amended, so check the current legislation.
Legal basis and sources
The law
- Sale of Goods Ordinance (Cap. 26)
- Trade Descriptions Ordinance (Cap. 362)
General information for business owners, not legal, tax or professional advice. Rules change, so check the sources or ask a licensed professional before you act.
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