In response to the press enquiries, the Consumer Council would like to make the following clarifications in regard to the recent test on suitcases:
- The test on suitcases was coordinated by the International Consumer Research & Testing (ICRT), an independent international organization for consumer research and testing. The test revealed that 4 out of 19 samples covered in the test were found to contain Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the side handles exceeding 10 mg/kg. PAHs are groups of chemicals some of which may be carcinogenic.
- The Council pointed out in the report that according to the guidelines set under a voluntary German certification scheme (GS Mark) for consumer products containing plastics, the limit for total PAHs in consumer products with skin contact for more than 30 seconds is 10 mg/kg. The statements in the report simply referred to information on limits set under those guidelines. The Council did not draw any conclusion whatsoever to the effect that it would be carcinogenic for users who are in contact with the products concerned for 30 seconds.
- The Council was in contact with suppliers of the tested samples since May 2012. The test results were sent to the respective suppliers and they were asked to respond to the test results within 2 weeks. In the case of Samsonite Asia Ltd. ("the Company"), test results were sent to the Company on 9 May. The Company enquired about the test details on 23 May and the Council duly replied in writing on 31 May.
- As regards the reports alleging that the Council had ignored the Company's feedback to the Council concerning the Company's products tested, the Council wishes to clarify that such allegation was totally unfounded. As mentioned above, the Council had been in contact with the Company all along since May. The Company's comments in response to the Council's test results were sent to the Council on 6 June via its Legal Counsel. The comments in their entirety were incorporated and published in the report on p. 12 of issue No. 428 of the CHOICE magazine.
- As late as 8 June, the Company sent additional information in respect of the PAHs levels of one of its models tested and asked if it was possible for the Council to defer publication of the report for the Company to arrange further testing to validate the result. This came too late for the Council to withhold putting to print the report which was scheduled to be published on 15 June. As the Company indicated that it was arranging for further test, the Council inserted mention of that arrangement in the "Manufacturer's Comments" column so as to fully reflect the Company's feedback.
The Council strives to be the trusted voice for the consumers and we are obliged to collect and disseminate information concerning goods and services for consumers to make their informed choices. In publishing product test results, we will not neglect comments put forward by the suppliers.