Hong Kong Customs mounted a special operation with the Zhongying Street Administration Bureau of Yantian District, Shenzhen, on Chung Ying Street, Sha Tau Kok, from April 17 until today (April 30) to combat the sale of counterfeit goods and duty-not-paid goods.
Customs earlier received information alleging that there were retail shops on Chung Ying Street, Sha Tau Kok, suspected of selling counterfeit goods and duty-not-paid goods. After an in-depth investigation and with the assistance of trademark owners, Customs officers took enforcement action during the abovementioned period and raided four retail shops and two stalls on Chung Ying Street, Sha Tau Kok. A total of about 4 000 items of suspected counterfeit goods, including leather goods, watches and cosmetics products, about 170 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes and 28 bottles of suspected duty-not-paid liquor of about 19 litres in total, were seized. The total estimated market value was about $1.7 million, with a duty potential of about $600,000.
During the operation, a 52-year-old male staff member of a retail shop was arrested. An investigation is ongoing.
With the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland approaching, Customs will continue to step up inspections and enforcement to vigorously combat counterfeit goods and duty-not-paid goods activities.
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 selling counterfeit goods and duty-not-paid goods are serious crimes 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 Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying duty-not-paid goods commits an offence. The maximum penalty is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeit 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, April 30, 2024
