Customs seize suspected counterfeit items worth HK$5.4m

Customs announced on Monday that they had seized about 14,000 items of allegedly counterfeit goods with an estimated market value of about HK$5.4 million in a 12-day anti-smuggling joint operation with Mainland and Macau Customs.  

The Hong Kong, mainland China, and Macau customs authorities conducted a joint 12-day operation from December 4 to 15 to combat the transshipment of counterfeit goods between and through the regions destined for international markets.  

Coordinating inspection of cargo shipments to destinations including North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and beyond, the endeavor aimed to curb illicit transshipment of counterfeit merchandise traversing borders more effectively as it sought to reach overseas destinations.  

Throughout the operation, Hong Kong Customs seized about 14,000 items of suspected counterfeit goods, such as handbags, mobile phones and accessories, clothes, and footwear, with an estimated market value of about HK$5.4 million.  

This was the third joint operation by the three customs administrations this year. Hong Kong customs seized about 51,000 items of suspected counterfeit goods with an estimated market value of about HK$25.5 million in these operations.  

Customs stated that they will continue working closely with Mainland Customs, Macau Customs, and overseas law enforcement agencies to vigorously combat cross-boundary counterfeit goods transshipping activities through intelligence exchanges and joint enforcement actions.  

The customs spokesman also warned that under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who imports or exports goods with a forged trademark commits an offense and will receive a maximum penalty of HK$500,000 and imprisonment for five years upon conviction.