Hong Kong Customs teams up with Mainland and Macao Customs to combat cross-boundary counterfeit goods transshipment activities (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs conducted a two-week joint enforcement operation with the Mainland and Macao Customs from August 19 to 30, during which inspection of goods across the three places and destined for North America, Europe, and countries and regions along the Belt and Road Initiative was stepped up, with a view to combating cross-boundary counterfeiting activities among the three places and with goods destined for overseas countries. During the operation, Hong Kong Customs detected 28 cases and seized about 25 000 items of suspected counterfeit goods with a total estimated market value of about $5.8 million. 
      
     Through intelligence analysis and in-depth investigations, Hong Kong Customs detected 25 cases in the operation at various local express couriers. Meanwhile, Customs officers conducted strike-and-search cargo inspections at three logistics companies located in Kwai Chung, resulting in the detection of three more cases.
      
     The suspected counterfeit goods seized by Hong Kong Customs in the operation included mobile phones and accessories, watches, personal care products, and footwear. The total estimated market value was about $5.8 million.
      
     Hong Kong Customs will continue to work closely with the Mainland Customs, Macao Customs and overseas law enforcement agencies to vigorously combat cross-boundary counterfeit goods transshipment activities through intelligence exchanges and joint enforcement actions.
      
     Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who imports or exports any goods to which a forged trademark is applied 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).