Customs seizes $65m in fake goods exploiting Double-11 shopping frenzy

Hong Kong Customs dealt a major blow to counterfeit smugglers who tried to hide fake designer bags, sneakers, wireless earbuds, and luxury watches among the avalanche of legitimate Double-11 parcels, confiscating 120,000 counterfeit items worth roughly HK$65 million in a three-week operation.

The crackdown ran from October 20 to November 14 and uncovered 29 cases in which traffickers were sneaking high-quality knock-offs into genuine e-commerce shipments bound for the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. Officers worked closely with major logistics platforms, ramping up inspections at cargo hubs and zeroing in on high-risk transshipment containers.

The customs spokesman explained that the sheer volume of parcels during the world’s biggest online shopping festival creates perfect cover for counterfeiters.

Criminals are now producing everything from budget fake streetwear for younger buyers to near-perfect replicas of luxury handbags and watches aimed at higher-end customers willing to pay a premium for “super fakes.”

A surge in counterfeit electronic accessories, especially the latest wireless earbuds and phone gadgets, stood out because their small size makes them easy to conceal yet still fetch high street prices.

Customs urged logistics companies to stay vigilant and report anything suspicious, reminding the public that dealing in fake goods can carry penalties of up to HK$500,000 and five years in jail.

Shoppers were advised to stick to reputable sellers and contact brand owners if something seems off, while anyone spotting counterfeit activity can call the 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or file reports online.