Hong Kong Customs Signs MOU with JD.com to Enhance Cooperation and Supply Chain Security.

Hong Kong Customs signs MOU with JD.com

The Assistant Commissioner of Customs and Excise (Intelligence and Investigation), Mr Wong Ho-yin, witnessed by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with JD.com today (April 20) at the Customs Headquarters Building to establish a closer co-operative relationship.

At the signing ceremony, Mr Chan said that JD.com has close ties with Hong Kong Customs. One of the Group's subsidiaries in logistics has been accredited as a Hong Kong Authorized Economic Operator, making it a trusted partner of Hong Kong Customs. This also shows JD.com's commitment to safeguarding supply chain security. Through the signing of the MOU, both sides will establish a closer communication and collaboration mechanism, strengthen compliance promotion, and work together to prevent prohibited or controlled items from entering Hong Kong through online shopping channels, thereby providing more comprehensive protection for consumers.

The Vice President and Chief Economist of JD.com, Dr Shen Jianguang, also remarked that JD.com adheres to its core philosophy of "achieving success the right way". The Group firmly believes that only by operating legally, compliantly, and with integrity can it achieve sustainable and healthy development while creating value for society. Looking ahead, JD.com will strengthen its co-operation with Hong Kong Customs, actively co-ordinate with Customs' regulatory efforts, and work together to maintain a sound import and export order.

Hong Kong Customs will continue to adopt innovative thinking in its development, strengthen co-operation with the industry, and steadfastly uphold the mission of safeguarding the gate of Hong Kong and facilitating legitimate trade.

Hong Kong Customs signs MOU with JD.com Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs signs MOU with JD.com Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs signs MOU with JD.com Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs signs MOU with JD.com Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs signs MOU with JD.com Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects smuggling case with seizure of $20 million goods involving ocean-going vessel

Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected smuggling case involving an ocean-going vessel on April 13. Large batches of suspected smuggled goods with a total estimated market value of about $20 million were seized.

Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs discovered that criminals intended to use ocean-going vessels to smuggle goods. Strategies were thus formulated to crack down on the related activity.

Customs on that day selected a container that was scheduled to be shipped to Australia and declared as carrying laundry baskets for inspection. Upon examination, Customs officers found large batches of suspected smuggled goods, including 810 000 cigarettes, electronic appliances, furniture, pet supplies and toys.

An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.

Being a government department primarily responsible for tackling smuggling activities, Customs has long been combating various smuggling activities at the forefront. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to fiercely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, and carry out targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to disrupt relevant crimes.

Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.

Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling 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 smuggling case with seizure of $20 million goods involving ocean-going vessel Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects smuggling case with seizure of $20 million goods involving ocean-going vessel Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects smuggling case with seizure of $20 million goods involving ocean-going vessel Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases