​Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 16) conducted a special operation against the sale of infringing goods at a fixed-pitch hawker stall in Mong Kok. About 1 800 items of suspected infringing goods including handbags, wallets, pencil cases, key holders and rucksacks, with an estimated market value of about $840,000, were seized.
Customs earlier received information alleging the sale of counterfeit goods at a hawker stall in Mong Kok. After an in-depth investigation with the assistance of the trademark owner, Customs officers took enforcement action yesterday and smashed a fixed-pitch hawker stall located on Tung Choi Street and its upstairs storage in a nearby building. The batch of suspected infringing goods were also seized.
During the operation, a 33-year-old female person-in-charge was arrested.
An investigation is ongoing.
Customs will continue to step up inspections and enforcement to combat the sale of counterfeit goods.
Customs reminds consumers to procure goods at reputable shops and to check with the trademark or copyright 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 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.
Under the Copyright Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any infringing goods commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 per infringing copy and imprisonment for four 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/Thursday, October 17, 2019
