Hong Kong Customs yesterday (January 11) conducted a special operation to combat the sale of counterfeit goods and seized about 1 900 items of suspected counterfeit goods with an estimated market value of about $780,000.
Customs earlier conducted patrols and discovered some retail shops selling suspected counterfeit goods. After an in-depth investigation and with the assistance of trademark owners, Customs officers took enforcement action yesterday and raided two retail shops in Fanling and Kwai Chung as well as a storage centre of suspected counterfeit goods in Fanling. A batch of suspected counterfeit goods, including clothing, bags and sports footwear, was seized.
During the operation, two women aged 50 and 62 were arrested.
Investigation is ongoing.
With the Lunar New Year around the corner, Customs will continue to step up inspection and enforcement to vigorously combat different kinds of counterfeit goods activities before and during the holiday.
Customs reminds consumers to procure goods at reputable shops and to check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt. Also, traders should 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 any suspected infringing activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Wednesday, January 12, 2022
