​Hong Kong Customs conducted a special operation from June 27 to yesterday (July 4) in Sheung Shui to combat the sale of counterfeit goods and seized about 4 500 items of suspected counterfeit goods with an estimated market value of about $1.5 million. During the operation, two persons were arrested.
Customs earlier received information alleging the sale of suspected counterfeit beauty products and perfumes at several retail shops. After an in-depth investigation and with the assistance of the trademark owners, Customs officers took enforcement action and raided two retail shops in Sheung Shui on June 27 and July 4. The batch of suspected counterfeit goods, including cosmetics, skincare products, perfumes and medicines, was seized.
During the operation, a male shop proprietor and a female shop proprietor, aged 19 and 60, were arrested.
An investigation is ongoing and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out. Samples of the suspected counterfeit goods involved in the case will be sent to the Government Laboratory for safety testing.
Customs will continue to step up inspection and enforcement to vigorously combat the sale of different kinds of counterfeit goods.
Customs reminds 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. Traders should also 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 Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, any person who possesses any poison included in Part 1 of the Poisons List other than in accordance with provisions commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeiting activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).
Ends/Wednesday, July 5, 2023
