Hong Kong Customs conducted a territory-wide operation against the sale of counterfeit portable fans over the past month. A total of over 1 200 suspected counterfeit portable fans were seized.
Customs conducted raid operations on 10 retail outlets suspected of selling counterfeit portable fans in various districts of Hong Kong. More than 1 200 suspected counterfeit portable fans valued at about $43,000 were seized. Six men and nine women, including five salespersons and 10 owners aged from 18 to 69, were arrested. They were released on bail pending further investigation. Investigation is ongoing.
The Divisional Commander (Intellectual Property General Investigation) of Customs, Ms Phoebe Wong, today (August 30) said that Customs will continue taking stringent enforcement actions to combat the sale of counterfeit goods. She appealed to consumers to purchase at shops with good reputations and to check with the trademark owners or their authorised agencies if the authenticity of a product is in doubt. She also reminded traders to be cautious and prudent in merchandising since selling counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, it is an offence to sell or possess for sale any goods with a forged trademark. Upon conviction, offenders are liable to a maximum penalty of imprisonment for five years and a fine of $500,000.
Anyone with information related to selling of suspected counterfeit goods may call Customs on the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Tuesday, August 30, 2016