Hong Kong Customs conducted an anti-counterfeiting operation from January 4 to today(January 10) to combat the sale of counterfeit clothing and accessories. A total of about 6 400 pieces of suspected counterfeit goods, including clothing, caps, belts and backpacks, with an estimated market value of about $2.5 million were seized.
Customs earlier received information alleging the sale of suspected counterfeit clothing and accessories at shops in the retail market. After an in-depth investigation with the assistance of trademark owners, Customs officers raided eight shops in Wan Chai, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, Kwai Chung and Tsuen Wan in the past week andseized the batch of suspected counterfeit clothing and accessories.
During the operation, five men and four women were arrested, including five persons-in-charge and four salespersons, aged between 20 and 66.
Investigations are ongoing.
With the imminent arrival of the Lunar New Year, Customs will continue to step up inspection and enforcement to 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 authenticity of a product is in doubt.
Customs also reminds traders to be cautious and prudent in merchandising since the sale of counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal liability.
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 the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Thursday, January 10, 2019
