​Hong Kong Customs yesterday (November 13) conducted a special operation in Sha Tin to combat the sale of counterfeit goods and seized about 360 items of suspected counterfeit goods with an estimated market value of about $660,000.
Customs earlier received information alleging the sale of suspected counterfeit clothing and accessories at a boutique in Sha Tin. After an in-depth investigation and with the assistance of trademark owners, Customs officers took enforcement action yesterday and raided the boutique. A batch of suspected counterfeit clothing and accessories, including accessories, clothes and handbags, was seized.
During the operation, Customs arrested a 45-year-old woman suspected to be connected with the case. She has been released on bail pending further investigation. Investigations are ongoing.
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.
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/Tuesday, November 14, 2023
