Customs officers have searched the premises of five registered vehicle distributors suspected of contravening the Motor Vehicles (First Registration Tax) Ordinance by covering up the Published Retail Prices of vehicles approved by the Customs & Excise Department, and selling vehicles at higher prices.

In yesterday's operation, officers searched nine locations on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon, and seized a large number of documents and materials in connection with the offence. The people in charge of the vehicle distributors were asked to assist in the investigation.

According to the ordinance, a vehicle distributor, before offering a motor vehicle for sale to use in Hong Kong, must provide information relating to the price of a vehicle to Customs for assessment of the Published Retail Prices, which is also the taxable value of that vehicle.

Call Customs on 2545 6182 or the Transport Department on 2804 2636 for enquiries or complaints about vehicle prices.