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| These products have high mercury content |
The government has again warned against the use of three Goree whitening
cream products, saying they contain excessive mercury that can cause damage to the
nervous system and kidneys.
Symptoms may include tremors, irritability, insomnia, memory
deterioration, concentration difficulty, impaired hearing and vision, and
changes in taste function. In severe cases, renal failure may occur.
Hong Kong Customs inspected a consignment declared as face
cream arriving at Hong Kong International Airport from Dubai, United Arab
Emirates, via Singapore to Hong Kong on August 27, 2025.
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| PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE |
Upon inspection, a total of 2,880 boxes of the three types
of regulated mercury-added whitening creams with an estimated market value of
about $63,000 were detected and detained.
The case was handed over to the Environmental Protection
Department (EPD) for follow-up action.
The EPD sent the samples of the creams to the Government
Laboratory for testing, and it was revealed that the mercury content in the
three whitening cream products reached 24 000 parts per million, 25 000 ppm and
28 000 ppm respectively.
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
According to the Mercury Control Ordinance (MCO) (Cap. 640),
cosmetics with mercury content exceeding 1 ppm is regulated mercury-added
products. The three types of whitening creams contravened the MCO. As a result,
the EPD initiated prosecution against the related offenders.
In the past, the authorities have repeatedly warned against the use of the same brand of whitening cream, after a number of Filipina domestic helpers had to be taken to hospital in 2022 after showing signs of mercury poisoning.
Customs and the EPD remind members of the public that under
the MCO, any person importing, exporting, manufacturing or supplying regulated
mercury-added products commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of
$50,000 and imprisonment for one year upon conviction.
The proprietor of the company that imported the batch of
whitening creams was charged with importing regulated mercury-added products
and was fined $10,000 at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts on March 2.
Customs and the EPD remind members of the public to observe
the following tips when purchasing and using cosmetic products:
• Do not buy or
use cosmetic products of unknown composition or from doubtful sources;
• Stop using the
cosmetic products and seek medical attention immediately if feeling unwell
after use; and
• Purchase
cosmetic products at reputable retail shops.
Members of the
public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour
hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account:
(crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Members of the public may report any suspected regulated mercury-added products
to the EPD hotline (2838 3111).
