Hong Kong Customs officials issued an urgent consumer warning today, December 8, 2025, after safety tests revealed a specific model of wireless laser pen poses a risk of overheating and injury, prompting immediate prohibition orders against the retailer and importer. The proactive safety checks, conducted across various consumer electronic models, uncovered serious violations of mandatory safety and labeling ordinances, underscoring the government’s commitment to preventing consumer harm from substandard products.
Laser Pen Fails Crucial Safety Tests
The warning stems from the routine spot-check program conducted by Customs, which included purchasing several wireless laser pen models for rigorous examination. One particular model displayed alarming results during a battery short-circuit simulation, a common failure point in electronic devices. The surface temperature of accessible parts on the device reached 78.4 degrees Celsius, significantly exceeding the international safety standard limit of 58 degrees Celsius by 35 percent. This thermal output suggests a substantial risk of burn injuries or fire when the device malfunctions.
Customs stated that the product directly failed to meet recognized international safety benchmarks, leading to suspicion of violating the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance (CGSO).
Mislabeling Escalates Safety Risk
Adding to the immediate physical hazard, investigators also found evidence of deceptive trade descriptions. The product was explicitly labeled as a lower-power “Class 3R” laser device. However, subsequent independent testing proved the output power corresponded to the much higher-risk “Class 3B” category. Class 3B lasers carry a severe risk of eye and skin damage upon exposure.
Consequently, both the retailer and importer are now under suspicion of contravening the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO) for distributing goods with a false description regarding their level of danger.
Following the discovery, Customs officers swiftly searched the premises of the business operators, confiscating three units of the non-compliant laser pen model and immediately issuing prohibition notices to halt any further sales. Subsequent inspections throughout the territory have confirmed that no additional units of the dangerous item have been found in the market. The official investigation remains open and active.
Crucial Safety Guidelines for Consumers
To mitigate risks associated with electronic accessories like wireless laser pens, the public is advised to adopt several essential precautions when purchasing and charging these devices:
- Prioritize Safety Features: Only purchase devices from reputable brands that explicitly include short-circuit protection, overcharge safeguards, overcurrent protection, and battery temperature monitoring.
- Safe Charging Practices: Always charge electronic devices in well-ventilated areas to facilitate effective heat dissipation, keeping them far away from flammable materials such as papers, fabrics, or wood.
- Avoid Overcharging: Disconnect devices immediately upon reaching a full charge. Avoid leaving items plugged in overnight or for extended periods past the time needed.
- Laser Safety: Never point the laser beam directly at the eyes or skin of any person or animal, regardless of the stated class, as direct contact can cause serious injury or permanent blindness.
Strict Penalties for Non-Compliance
Customs reiterated its firm stance on consumer protection, emphasizing that routine safety checks are mandatory to ensure that all goods supplied in Hong Kong meet reasonable safety standards.
Traders are strongly reminded of their statutory obligations. Under the CGSO, supplying or importing unsafe consumer goods is a serious offense, carrying a maximum penalty upon first conviction of a HK$100,000 fine and one year’s imprisonment. Repeated offenses face penalties up to HK$500,000 and two years. Furthermore, offenses under the TDO for false trade descriptions carry a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment and a HK$500,000 fine.