Rs. 110,000 fine for two firms over improperly labelled baby diapers
Two companies involved in the wholesale distribution of imported baby diapers have been fined a total of Rs. 110,000 after pleading guilty to distributing products without legally required importer information, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) said.
The fines were imposed by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today (23) following legal action instituted by the CAA against establishments operating in Dehiwala and Dematagoda.
Global Commodity Solution (Pvt) Ltd, located at Campbell Place in Dehiwala, was fined Rs. 100,000, while Hallmark Industry, located at Ketawalamulla Place in Dematagoda, Colombo 09, was fined Rs. 10,000.
According to the CAA, both companies pleaded guilty to the charges when the cases were taken up before court.
The legal action followed a series of investigations and raids carried out by the CAA over complaints from consumers concerning baby diapers available in the local market.
The Authority said it had received complaints regarding diapers tearing and deteriorating, prompting islandwide investigations into products being distributed and sold in the market.
As part of a subsequent stage of the programme, CAA officials investigated two establishments engaged in the wholesale distribution of imported baby diapers in Dehiwala and Dematagoda.
During the investigations, officials detected stocks of imported baby diapers being distributed without the information required under Direction No. 85.
According to the CAA, the packaging did not contain the required details of the registered importer, including the name, address, telephone number or website information.
The relevant stocks of diapers were subsequently taken into custody as case productions, while the CAA initiated legal proceedings against the establishments before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.
Following the court action, the CAA urged consumers to pay particular attention to the labelling of diapers and other hygiene products that come into direct contact with babies’ skin.
Consumers are advised to check whether packaging clearly displays the required details of the registered importer as well as the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) before purchasing such products.
The Authority said the availability of importer information was important for product traceability and for identifying the party responsible in the event that consumers encounter problems with a product.
The CAA also warned traders and distributors to ensure that imported goods comply with all legally required labelling requirements before obtaining stocks for distribution or sale.
It said traders should verify that the required importer details are properly displayed, warning that the distribution or sale of products that fail to comply with applicable legal requirements could result in legal action.
The Authority urged the public to report information regarding irregularities in the market through the CAA hotline 1977. (Newswire)
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