Hong Kong Customs and the Mainland Customs have been working closely to combat cross-border intellectual property rights (IPR) infringing activities through intelligence exchange and joint enforcement actions. With the launch of a new co-operation mode by focusing on key districts, key areas and key merchandise this year, the two Customs administrations have achieved fruitful results.
Between January and August 2016, through intelligence exchange and risk indicator analysis, the two Customs administrations conducted a series of joint operations to step up inspections on express parcels and transhipment cargoes, thus effectively curbing transnational IPR infringing crimes.
During the period, Hong Kong Customs seized over 194 000 suspected IPR infringing goods from express parcels and transhipment cargoes destined for the United States, Africa, Europe and Latin America with a total seizure value of about $26 million. Amongst them were some 3 000 suspected counterfeit sportswear and footwear items seized during the period of the UEFA Euro 2016, and some 1 200 pieces of suspected counterfeit sportswear and related goods seized during the period of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
At the same time, to augment the effectiveness of fighting cross-border IPR infringing activities, Hong Kong Customs and the US and European law enforcement agencies conducted timely exchange of intelligence and close monitoring of suspicious shipments of IPR infringing goods for interception.
Hong Kong Customs will continue to collaborate closely with the Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies in suppressing cross-border IPR infringing activities.
Ends/Friday, September 2, 2016
