Hong Kong Government Unveils Falsification of Flame Retardant Tests, Orders Removal of Maintenance Tents from Shelves

Hong Kong Orders Removal of building Nets after Fire Tragedy Reveals Widespread Testing fraud

Hong kong, December 5, 2025 – In the wake of the devastating Wang Fook Court fire in Tai Po that claimed the lives of nearly 160 people, the hong Kong government has ordered the immediate removal of all building maintenance netting currently in use across the city. The drastic measure comes after evidence surfaced indicating widespread falsification of flame retardant testing reports for these nets – a key factor believed to have contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze.

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Secretary for development Ning Hon-ho announced the decision last night, citing public safety concerns and the urgent need to alleviate anxiety among building residents and owners.

“We have strong suspicions that documents have been falsified,” stated Ning Hon-ho. “To protect public safety and address the current concerns of building maintenance owners and residents, the government believes a strict response is necessary. Therefore, we are announcing that all buildings currently undergoing major maintenance – including public, private, and government structures – must remove exterior wall netting promptly.”

The removal must be completed within the next three working days,by December 6th. Exceptions will be considered only with prior notification and justification to the relevant review department. Authorities estimate over 200 residential buildings and approximately a dozen public buildings currently have canopy nets installed for ongoing maintenance.

The Buildings Department is expediting the development of a new code of practice, expected to be released next week. This code will mandate on-site sampling of netting upon delivery to construction sites, with testing conducted at designated centers before installation is permitted.

Investigation Uncovers Fraudulent Testing Labs

The investigation into the Wang Fook Court fire has revealed that netting used in housing estates at Fenghua Village in Chaiwan and Fuze Garden in Fortress Hill both claimed to be manufactured by “Shandong Chenxu Chemical Fiber Rope Net Co., ltd.” and supported by flame retardant qualification reports from either the “National Labour Protection products Quality Supervision and Inspection Center” or the “Binzhou City Inspection and Testing Center.”

Though, authorities have discovered that the “National Labor Protection Products Quality Supervision and Inspection Center” did not issue the claimed certificates. Attempts to contact the “Binzhou Inspection and Testing Center” have been unsuccessful, with all listed contact methods currently inactive.

Tang Ping-keung confirmed that the case has been escalated to the serious crime team for further investigation, anticipating the discovery of additional fraudulent cases. “We will deal with this seriously and pursue it to the fullest extent of the law,” he stated.

The November 26th fire at Wang Fook Court remains one of the deadliest in Hong Kong’s history, with 159 confirmed fatalities and 31 individuals still missing. This latest development underscores the critical need for stringent safety regulations and rigorous oversight within the construction and maintenance industries.

What are the potential consequences for retailers who fail to comply with the mandatory recall of affected tents?

The Scope of the Recall & Safety Concerns

On December 5th, 2025, the Hong Kong government announced a significant safety recall impacting maintenance tents commonly used in construction, event management, and emergency response scenarios. This action follows a damning investigation revealing widespread falsification of flame retardant tests conducted by several key suppliers. The primary concern centers around the tents failing to meet established fire safety standards, posing a ample risk to public safety. This recall affects a broad range of tents, including those used for temporary shelters, repair work, and outdoor events.

the investigation, spearheaded by the Hong Kong Consumer Council and the Fire Services Department, uncovered evidence of manipulated test results submitted to obtain product certifications. Specifically, tests designed to assess the flammability and fire resistance of tent materials were deliberately altered. This means tents marketed as “fire-retardant” may ignite and spread flames rapidly, increasing the danger during a fire incident.

Affected Tent Types & Brands

While a comprehensive list is still being compiled, initial reports indicate the following tent types are most affected:

* Pop-up maintenance tents: Frequently used by utility workers and construction crews.

* Event tents: Commonly seen at festivals, outdoor markets, and sporting events.

* Emergency shelter tents: Deployed by aid organizations and government agencies during disaster relief efforts.

* Industrial work tents: Used for on-site repairs and maintenance in various industries.

Currently identified brands involved (subject to change as the investigation progresses):

* Apex Tents Ltd.

* Secure Shelter Solutions

* Global Event Structures

* Pro-Tec maintenance Covers

Consumers and businesses are urged to check the product labels and batch numbers against the official recall list published on the hong Kong Consumer Council website (https://www.consumer.org.hk/). Flame retardant tent identification is crucial.

What the Government is Doing: Immediate Actions

The Hong Kong government has taken swift action to mitigate the risks associated with these compromised tents:

1. Mandatory Recall: All affected tents must be removed from shelves and returned to suppliers. Retailers face hefty fines for non-compliance.
2. Increased Inspections: Authorities are conducting random inspections of warehouses and retail outlets to ensure the recall is being implemented effectively.
3. Enhanced Testing Protocols: The government is reviewing and strengthening its product certification processes to prevent future instances of fraud. This includes autonomous verification of test results and stricter penalties for falsification.
4. Public Awareness Campaign: A public awareness campaign is underway to inform consumers and businesses about the recall and the potential dangers of using non-compliant tents.this campaign utilizes television, radio, and online channels.
5. Investigation Expansion: the investigation is expanding to identify all parties involved in the falsification scheme, including testing laboratories and individuals responsible for manipulating the data. Fire safety regulations are being re-evaluated.

Understanding Flame Retardancy & Tent Materials

Flame retardant materials are designed to slow down the ignition and spread of fire.In tents, this is typically achieved through the use of chemical treatments or inherently fire-resistant fabrics. Common materials include:

* Polyester with flame retardant coating: A cost-effective option, but the coating can degrade over time with exposure to UV light and washing.

* Canvas: Naturally more fire-resistant than synthetic materials, but heavier and less portable.

* PVC-coated polyester: Offers good fire resistance and durability, but can release harmful fumes when burned.

* Modacrylic fabrics: Inherently flame-resistant and frequently enough used in specialized applications.

the effectiveness of flame retardant treatments depends on the concentration of the chemicals used and the request method. Regular testing is essential to ensure continued compliance with safety standards. Tent fire safety relies heavily on accurate material certification.

Impact on Industries & Businesses

The recall is causing significant disruption across several industries:

* Construction: Construction companies relying on maintenance tents for on-site repairs are facing delays and increased costs.

* Event Management: Event organizers are scrambling to find alternative shelter solutions for staff and equipment.

* Emergency Services: Aid organizations and government agencies are assessing their stock of emergency shelter tents and seeking replacements.

* Retail: Retailers are incurring losses due to the cost of the recall and the loss of sales. Tent suppliers are facing reputational damage.

Businesses are advised to review their risk management plans and implement alternative safety measures until compliant tents are available.

Practical Tips for Consumers & Businesses

* Verify Certification: Before purchasing any tent, check for valid fire safety certification from a reputable testing association.

* Check Batch Numbers: If you have recently purchased a maintenance tent, check the batch number against the official recall list.

* Proper Storage: Store tents in a dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources.

* Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect tents for damage and wear, and replace them if necessary.

* Fire Safety Equipment: Ensure that appropriate fire extinguishers and smoke detectors