Hong Kong Customs special operation combats sale of counterfeit goods
Hong Kong Customs conducted a special operation across shopping spots in Mong Kok on October 3 and yesterday (October 9) to combat the sale of counterfeit goods, seizing a total of about 1 100 suspected counterfeit clothes and sneakers with an estimated market value of about $820,000.
Customs earlier received information alleging the sale of suspected counterfeit clothing at two retailers in Mong Kok. After an in-depth investigation and with the assistance of trademark owners, Customs officers took enforcement action on October 3 and 9, and raided the two retailers in Mong Kok and a storage facility in a commercial building in Yau Ma Tei, seizing the batch of suspected counterfeit goods.
During the operation, Customs arrested two men, aged 31 and 52. They have been released on bail pending further investigation.
An investigation is underway and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
Customs will continue to step up inspection and enforcement to vigorously combat the sale of counterfeit goods.
Customs reminds consumers to procure goods at reputable shops and to check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the product authenticity is in doubt. Traders should also be cautious and prudent in merchandising since the sale of counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with a forged trademark commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Members of the public may report the sale of suspected counterfeit goods to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Hong Kong Customs special operation combats sale of counterfeit goods Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs special operation combats sale of counterfeit goods Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs special operation combats sale of counterfeit goods Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected scheduled dried shark fins, dried sea cucumbers and proprietary Chinese medicine with ingredients of suspected scheduled Gastrodia Elata
Hong Kong Customs on October 10 seized about 460 kilograms of suspected scheduled dried shark fins, 200kg of suspected scheduled dried sea cucumbers and 3 300 boxes of proprietary Chinese medicine with ingredients of suspected scheduled Gastrodia Elata, with a total estimated market value of about $2.3 million, at Hong Kong International Airport.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers inspected an air consignment, declared as carrying household goods and arriving in Hong Kong from Indonesia, on that day. Upon inspection, the batch of dried shark fins, sea cucumbers and proprietary Chinese medicine suspected to be scheduled under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Ordinance) (Cap. 586), was found inside 33 carton boxes.
The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) for follow-up action.
Under the Ordinance, any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited. For licensing requirements for the species listed on different appendices, members of the public may visit the website: www.cites.hk. For enquiries, please contact the AFCD through email (hk_cites@afcd.gov.hk) or call 1823.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected scheduled dried shark fins, dried sea cucumbers and proprietary Chinese medicine with ingredients of suspected scheduled Gastrodia Elata Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected scheduled dried shark fins, dried sea cucumbers and proprietary Chinese medicine with ingredients of suspected scheduled Gastrodia Elata Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected scheduled dried shark fins, dried sea cucumbers and proprietary Chinese medicine with ingredients of suspected scheduled Gastrodia Elata Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
