Increased Scrutiny on E-commerce Platforms Following Arrest of Hong Kong Teen
Recent developments have brought heightened attention to e-commerce platforms in mainland China, particularly Taobao and Pinduoduo, after the arrest of a 13-year-old Hong Kong resident for allegedly purchasing smoke grenades online. This incident has raised concerns about the availability of restricted items on these platforms and their potential to be delivered to Hong Kong.
The boy was reported to have bought three smoke grenades for approximately HK$92 (US$11.70) from Pinduoduo on July 10. He retrieved the items from a pickup point in the city. The incident led to an emergency when he removed the safety pin on one of the grenades at his residence, causing smoke that forced the building’s evacuation. He was later arrested by police on July 18 on suspicion of possessing explosives.
Despite official efforts to curb such activities, a recent investigation by the Post found that "prank" smoke grenades, which appear genuine and release smoke, are still available for purchase on Taobao for around HK$40. Taobao, operated by Alibaba, also owns the South China Morning Post.
A reporter posing as a customer asked a vendor whether it was possible to ship the product to Hong Kong. The vendor stated that while air delivery was not allowed, other courier services were available. This indicates that restrictions may not be fully effective in preventing the movement of such items.
In addition to smoke grenades, the Post discovered listings for fresh meat, seafood, and eggs on Taobao. Eggs were priced at around 14 yuan (US$2) for 10, while fresh pork belly was sold at 25 yuan per 500 grams (1.1lbs). Live animals, including squirrels, were also listed, though they were marked as no longer available.
On Pinduoduo, listings for raw meat and live animals were more plentiful, with many vendors advertising delivery to Hong Kong within 24 hours. One vendor selling fresh rabbit ears for HK$18.30 mentioned that deliveries could not be made due to summer heat but would be available again in winter. Another vendor selling live rats for as little as 8.90 yuan each claimed that deliveries could no longer be made to Hong Kong due to border restrictions, despite advertising direct shipping.
Other vendors either said they were sold out or did not respond to inquiries. In response to the Post's questions about the availability of grenades, fresh eggs, and meat, a Taobao Hong Kong spokesperson stated that the company had investigated and removed the relevant products. They also mentioned that the platform had strengthened review and sales prohibition controls for affected categories, along with enforcing full oversight from merchant verification to logistics and distribution.
Pinduoduo has not yet responded to the Post’s inquiries.
Calls for Stricter Controls and Enhanced Collaboration
Lawmaker Edward Leung Hei has urged the government to issue clear directives to e-commerce sites to implement effective restrictions on prohibited items. However, he noted that even if platforms restrict direct shipping to Hong Kong, individuals might still attempt to transport items through alternative routes, such as via Shenzhen.
Leung highlighted the challenge of monitoring small vendors who frequently come and go from the platform, comparing it to how drug dealers find new ways to evade authorities. He emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration between authorities and logistics companies, including strengthening cargo declaration mechanisms to curb such activities at the source. He also called for intensified enforcement efforts and accountability for logistics personnel who fail to properly inspect goods.
Lawmaker Doreen Kong Yuk-foon, a member of the legislature's security panel, suggested that authorities should prioritize screening for prohibited goods like firearms rather than other regulated items. She warned that imposing extra checks on other goods could delay deliveries and create unnecessary burdens.
In response to the Post, the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) stated that it uses risk management and intelligence exchange to combat smuggling activities. The department has introduced advanced inspection equipment, such as automatic X-ray detectors and computerised scanning systems, to improve detection capabilities. It also maintains liaison with e-commerce platforms and urges them to ensure that the import of controlled items complies with Hong Kong regulations.
The C&ED added that it will continue to maintain close collaboration with relevant government departments, conduct joint operations at boundary control points, and promote compliance with e-commerce platforms.