Over 200 Complaints Lodged Over Rapid Covid Tests

The Consumer Council said on Wednesday it has so far received more than 240 complaints regarding online purchases of Covid-19 rapid test kits, with many people saying their orders had been severely delayed and that they had been denied refunds.

The watchdog said one complainant was told her products would arrive in five to seven working days, only to end up waiting over a month and a half.

The company concerned refused to refund the woman, saying the delivery was delayed because the courier company it was using had reduced its services due to the pandemic.

In total, over 260 complaints about rapid test kits have been received by the council, with other complaints involving the quality of test kits, sales tactics and more.

The council’s chief executive, Gilly Wong, said late deliveries were both unfair to consumers and hindered the fight against the pandemic.

Shops might also violate the Trade Descriptions Ordinance if they failed to fulfil promises made to customers, she warned.

Wong conceded, however, that complaints about test kits had dropped in recent weeks, as supplies have become more abundant and prices have fallen.

She added that she hopes complaints won’t rise again when families have to buy rapid test kits as schoolchildren prepare to resume classes.

“With the ample supply on the market, with different price ranges, there should be many choices for consumers,” Wong said.

“But consumers on the other hand have to be mindful about the quality of the product, by referencing the claims and also the endorsed lists from different jurisdictions.”

Pupils and school staff are required to self-test for Covid-19 daily when face-to-face classes resume in phases from April 19.