On the 22nd, a press release was published on the website of the Hong Kong SAR Government, saying that the Customs had received a report earlier that an online merchant had supplied a surgical mask with the labels "NOT MADE IN CHINA", "ASTM Level 1", "BFE≥95%", "Fluid Resistance" and "PFE≥95%" through restaurants, and it was suspected that it had a false origin and efficacy. After receiving the report, Shanghai took a trial purchase action and launched a follow-up investigation.

　　The customs sent the samples obtained from the trial purchase to the laboratory for bacterial content test to follow up whether there was any violation of the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance. The test results confirmed that the samples met the bacterial content standard. However, as the merchant has been unable to provide certification to prove that the masks concerned meet the labels made by him, the Customs and Excise Department took enforcement action today to search the premises of the merchant at the registered address of San Po Kong, and seized 935 boxes, each containing 35 pieces, containing a total of 32,725 surgical masks suspected of violating the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, with a market value of about 93,500 yuan (HK$), and arrested a representative of the merchant suspected of violating the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.

　　According to the pictures published on the website of the Hong Kong SAR Government, the words "Hong Kong Unity" are printed on the outer packaging of these masks. On the same day, the organization also posted on social media, confirming that a group of masks and procurement leaders were seized and arrested by the customs. The arrested person was Liang Yanfeng, a member of the organization.

　　Today, the website of the Hong Kong SAR Government issued a press release, saying that the Hong Kong Customs arrested an authorized representative of an online merchant last Friday (22nd) for a case of supplying surgical masks suspected of violating the Trade Descriptions Ordinance. After follow-up investigation, another director of the merchant was arrested today.

　　The press release also mentioned that some people maliciously slandered the Customs, saying that the law enforcement actions taken against the merchants in the case were "political repression", and the Customs strongly condemned the false allegations. The Customs stressed that since January this year, the "Guardian" operation has been launched to ensure that the epidemic prevention products sold in the market comply with the laws and regulations, and to remind the public of the suspected illegal products in real time to protect the public interest. The Customs and Excise Department will continue the relevant operations and will resolutely enforce the law if it finds any suspected violations.

　　The following is the original press release:

　　Customs and Excise Department Arrests Directors of Merchants Suspected of Supplying Illegal Masks

　　Last Friday (May 22), the Customs and Excise Department arrested an authorized representative of an online merchant for supplying surgical masks suspected of violating the Trade Descriptions Ordinance. After follow-up investigation, another director of the merchant was arrested today (May 25).

　　The 20-year-old man arrested today has been released on bail pending further investigation.

　　The Customs launched an investigation after receiving relevant reports earlier. During the investigation, after repeated requests, the merchant in the case has been unable to provide proof of the label claim of the surgical masks supplied, and was arrested for allegedly violating the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.

　　The Customs strongly condemned the false accusation that someone maliciously slandered the Customs and alleged that the law enforcement actions taken against the merchants in the case were "political repression". The Customs stressed that since January this year, the "Guardian" operation has been launched to ensure that the epidemic prevention products on the market comply with the legal requirements, and to remind the public of suspected illegal products in real time to protect public interests. The Customs and Excise Department will continue the relevant operations and will resolutely enforce the law if it finds any suspected violations.