Hong Kong Customs detects largest online sale of counterfeit goods case on record
Hong Kong Customs on September 9 detected the largest online sale of counterfeit goods case on record, seizing about 9 200 suspected counterfeit items, including health products, leather goods, skincare products, watches, and medicines containing suspected Part 1 poison, with an estimated market value of about $15 million.
Customs earlier received information from members of the public and trademark owners, alleging the sale of suspected counterfeit health products through links on social media. After a comprehensive investigation, Customs officers took enforcement action on September 9 and searched three industrial units in Yuen Long, including two logistics company storages and one express logistics company operation centre. About 7 500 suspected counterfeit items were seized, and four men and three women, aged between 24 and 57, were arrested.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers on September 12 further seized 1 700 suspected counterfeit items from the transit hub of the express logistics company.
The investigation is ongoing. All arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation, and further arrests are not ruled out.
The suspected counterfeit health products seized in the operation have been sent to the Government Laboratory for safety testing.
Customs reminds consumers to purchase goods at reputable shops or online shops and to avoid conducting transactions with suspicious traders. They should check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale or for any purpose of trade 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.
Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeiting activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Hong Kong Customs detects largest online sale of counterfeit goods case on record Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects largest online sale of counterfeit goods case on record Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Environment and Ecology Bureau invites Xizang Autonomous Region delegation to Hong Kong to deepen co-operation in food, green development and trade
At the invitation of the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB), the Xizang Autonomous Region delegation arrived Hong Kong on August 12 to take part in a series of exchange and visit activities, including the Food Expo and the Chinese Mainland Premium Agricultural Products "Going Global" Exchange and Matchmaking Event held yesterday (August 14).
The delegation was led by the Vice Chairman of the People's Government of the Xizang Autonomous Region, Mr Zhao Peng, and comprised representatives from the Department of Commerce and the Foreign Affairs Office of the Xizang Autonomous Region, and Lhasa Customs. The delegation concluded its visit and departed from Hong Kong today (August 15).
The Xizang Autonomous Region delegation met with the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, on August 12. The two sides exchanged views on the trade of agricultural products and food, as well as green development, and discussed ways to strengthen co-operation between the two places in the food industry, and areas of conservation and environmental protection.
On August 14, the EEB hosted a business luncheon for the delegation, which was attended by leaders from Hong Kong's four major chambers of commerce and trade associations, as well as hotels and catering organisations to jointly explore co-operation opportunities.
On the same day, the Xizang Autonomous Region delegation attended the Chinese Mainland Premium Agricultural Products "Going Global" Exchange and Matchmaking Event. At the event, the EEB and the Department of Commerce of the Xizang Autonomous Region signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen co-operation in the food sector, open up broader markets for quality agricultural products and food from Xizang, and promote the highquality development of the food industries in both places.
The EEB also arranged for the delegation to visit the Chinese Culinary Institute and the International Culinary Institute, and to meet with the Executive Director of the Vocational Training Council, Mr Donald Tong , laying a good foundation for future collaboration between the two sides.
During their stay in Hong Kong, the Xizang Autonomous Region delegation also met with the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; and the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan. The delegation also visited the Hong Kong Palace Museum.
A spokesman for the EEB said that the visit marks a new chapter in the co-operation between Xizang and Hong Kong. Leveraging Hong Kong's unique strengths in food trade, green development, and other areas, the EEB will maintain close liaison with the authority of the Xizang Autonomous Region, with a view to jointly contributing to the nation's high-quality development and the building of a beautiful China.
Environment and Ecology Bureau invites Xizang Autonomous Region delegation to Hong Kong to deepen co-operation in food, green development and trade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Environment and Ecology Bureau invites Xizang Autonomous Region delegation to Hong Kong to deepen co-operation in food, green development and trade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Environment and Ecology Bureau invites Xizang Autonomous Region delegation to Hong Kong to deepen co-operation in food, green development and trade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Environment and Ecology Bureau invites Xizang Autonomous Region delegation to Hong Kong to deepen co-operation in food, green development and trade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Environment and Ecology Bureau invites Xizang Autonomous Region delegation to Hong Kong to deepen co-operation in food, green development and trade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Environment and Ecology Bureau invites Xizang Autonomous Region delegation to Hong Kong to deepen co-operation in food, green development and trade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Environment and Ecology Bureau invites Xizang Autonomous Region delegation to Hong Kong to deepen co-operation in food, green development and trade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Environment and Ecology Bureau invites Xizang Autonomous Region delegation to Hong Kong to deepen co-operation in food, green development and trade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Environment and Ecology Bureau invites Xizang Autonomous Region delegation to Hong Kong to deepen co-operation in food, green development and trade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
