The consumer councils for Macao, Hong Kong and Guangdong Province have issued an unprecedented joint list of guidelines for purchasing goods in mainland China. The recommendations were released today in light of frequent consumer disputes about returns and exchanges, the councils said.
According to the statement, consumers should be especially careful when checking product information due to differences in product labelling and quality assurance certifications.
Consumers should also choose shipping checkpoints that provide unpack-and-inspect services to prevent items from getting damaged in transit.
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The shopping watchdogs recommended negotiating return and exchange fees before a product is shipped. In case disputes do arise, buyers should maintain records of order information, customer service communication records and other evidence.
Complaints can be submitted to the Greater Bay Area Consumer Complaints Transfer Platform.
The councils also noted that additional fees and complications may arise as products move between jurisdictions. Consumers can use the Handheld Customs app or the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department’s webpage to familiarise themselves with relevant policies, the guidelines said.
