In this course · 3 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
Consumer goods supplied in Hong Kong must meet the general safety requirement of the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance (Cap. 456), and toys and children's products have specific standards. The Customs and Excise Department enforces them, and the rules apply to online sellers as well as shops.
Two main laws cover safety:
- Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance (Cap. 456): requires consumer goods supplied in Hong Kong to be reasonably safe, and gives the authorities power to require recalls or stop supply. The Ordinance also sets safety requirements for specified items.
- Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance (Cap. 424): sets safety standards for toys and children's products, such as the standards for toys, certain children's products and some juvenile goods.
Other regimes cover particular products, such as electrical goods under electrical product safety regulations, and cosmetics through general safety and labelling rules. If you sell goods made by others, you are still a supplier under these laws, so ask your supplier for test reports or conformity evidence and keep them.
Offences can carry fines and imprisonment. Customs and Excise's website lists the standards and a product safety enquiry service. Check the exact rules for your category before importing or listing.
Legal basis and sources
The law
- Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance (Cap. 456)
- Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance (Cap. 424)
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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