Hong Kong Customs conducted an operation yesterday (September 5) to combat the sale of suspected counterfeit goods. A total of 1 277 items of suspected counterfeit goods with a total estimated market value of about $500,000 were seized.
Customs took enforcement action yesterday evening. A total of 1 277 items of suspected counterfeit goods, including watches, wallets, handbags and other goods with an estimated market value of about $500,000 were seized from two fixed hawker pitches in Mong Kok. A 33-year-old female person in charge and a 31-year-old female salesperson were arrested. Investigation is ongoing.
Customs will continue to step up enforcement to combat the sale of counterfeit goods.
Customs appeals to 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 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 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Thursday, September 6, 2018
