Hong Kong consumers already have a vast array of products at their disposal that have been produced with markets in addition to, or other than Hong Kong in mind. The presence of this wide variety of goods has enriched Hong Kong consumers' lives. In fact, the more liberal the regime, the better it will increase choices and bring further downward pressure on prices. The ability for Hong Kong consumers to differentiate between goods of all types cannot be underestimated Parallel products may have limited shelf life Goods offered for sale with limited shelf life can occur regardless of whether they are parallel imports, ordinary imports, or domestically produced goods. The responsibility rests with the trader to ensure the goods are not misrepresented.
Goods manufactured for other markets vary in quality and standard.
Parallel import products are licensed and are therefore 'genuine' goods. They are not counterfeit but manufactured under the trade mark owner's foreign licensee's standards. The Council trusts that trade mark owners, in their own interests, would ensure licensed products are of a high standard. Otherwise the trade mark owner would remove the license from the manufacturer. To say otherwise is suggesting the trade mark owner allows the production of sub-standard goods.