Cracking down on counterfeit goods: hong kong customs launches special operation on chung ying street
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/).
Hong Kong Customs special operation on Chung Ying Street combats sale of suspected counterfeit goods and duty-not-paid goods Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Legco delegation embarks on exciting visit to singapore
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council (LegCo) delegation led by the President of LegCo, Mr Andrew Leung, began its duty visit in Singapore today (May 17).
The delegation visited the Parliament of Singapore to pay a courtesy call on the Speaker of the Parliament, Mr Seah Kian Peng, and met with some Members of Parliament. Both parties exchanged views on various topics including the relationship between the executive authorities and the legislature, as well as Innovation and Technology, land and housing, digital economy, etc. The delegation received a briefing on the Meet-the-People Sessions (MPS) conducted by Members of Parliament in Singapore, and shared LegCo Members' experience in handling public complaints.
The delegation had the opportunity to observe a MPS conducted by a Member of Parliament in his constituency in the evening, to gain a deeper understanding of how these sessions facilitate direct communication between Members of Parliament and their constituents and address community issues. Members believed that MPS can enhance public engagement and such experience is worth referencing. During the session, the delegation also shared insights with the Member of Parliament on parliamentary work.
The delegation also met with the Chinese Ambassador to Singapore, Mr Cao Zhongming, to introduce the latest social and economic developments in Hong Kong and explore how Hong Kong could play a bridging role in the mutually beneficial and co-operative relation between China and Singapore. The delegation also expressed its gratitude to the Central Government and Ambassador Cao for continuously supporting Hong Kong's accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which will facilitate enterprises of member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to expand their businesses in Hong Kong and tap into the Mainland market.
During the visit, the delegation went to JTC Corporation (JTC), a government agency responsible for the development of industrial land and infrastructure, supporting and promoting Singapore's new industrialisation and enterprise development. Members received a briefing by representatives of JTC on its landmark projects, including the development of One-north, which is positioned as a national research and development hub. The delegation opined that various projects of JTC could serve as valuable references for Hong Kong in developing "new quality productive forces" and transforming the Northern Metropolis into a "new international I&T city".
The delegation then met with representatives of the Housing & Development Board of Singapore to gain an overview of local housing policies and projects that provide affordable and quality subsidised housing for citizens. Delegation members would draw on the relevant experience, with a view to putting forward suggestions to the Government on further enhancing the housing ladder in Hong Kong.
In addition, Members met with representatives of the Hong Kong Singapore Business Association and Hong Kong community groups to understand their work, businesses and lives in Singapore. Members also highlighted Hong Kong's unique advantages under "one country, two systems" to investors in Singapore, encouraging them to utilize Hong Kong as a platform to gain access to the Mainland market.
The delegation will continue its duty visit in Singapore tomorrow (May 18) before departing for Hong Kong in the afternoon.
LegCo delegation begins duty visit in Singapore Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo delegation begins duty visit in Singapore Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo delegation begins duty visit in Singapore Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo delegation begins duty visit in Singapore Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo delegation begins duty visit in Singapore Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
