Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 27) conducted an operation to combat the sale of counterfeit health food. In the operation, 102 boxes of suspected counterfeit health product drink and 54 items of skin care products with a total estimated market value of about $12,000 were seized.
Upon receiving information from a trademark owner alleging the sale of suspected counterfeit health product drink at retail shops, Customs conducted investigation promptly. After investigation, Customs took enforcement actions yesterday and seized 102 boxes of suspected counterfeit health product drink with an estimated market value of about $7,000 from two retail shops in North District. Two men were arrested, including a 50-year-old shop owner and a 29-year-old salesperson. They have been released on bail pending further investigation. Investigation is ongoing.
Furthermore, Customs also seized 54 suspected counterfeit skin care products with an estimated market value of about $5,000 in one of the shops.
Printing of some words and diagrams on the box of the counterfeit health product drink are unclear when compared to the genuine goods. Also, the printing on the silvery coating covering the QR code security label is different from that of the genuine one. Moreover, the opening cut on the sachet of counterfeit product is placed at the bottom right when it is viewed from the front whereas for the genuine product, the opening cut on the sachet is placed at the bottom left when it is viewed from the front.
Customs appeals to consumers to procure items 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 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 the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Wednesday, March 28, 2018
