Hong Kong op nets $9.1m in counterfeit goods

A four-week enforcement action by Hong Kong customs – codenamed 'Ocean Shield' – has resulted in the seizure of 157,000 suspected counterfeits with an estimated value of HKD 72m (around $9.1m).

The operation, which focused on cross-boundary transshipments by sea cargo and local deliveries, was directed mainly at 30 logistics companies in Kwai Chung, Tin Shui Wai, Tsuen Wan, Tsing Yi and Yuen Long – as well as a retail outlet and industrial unit in Mong Kok – and netted a wide range of counterfeits including watches, mobile phone accessories, glasses, clothes and footwear, and wireless headphones and speakers.

There have been multiple arrests, with those detained subsequently released on bail pending further investigation.

After follow-up investigations, Hong Kong Customs has said it believes some of the seized suspected counterfeit goods would have been sold locally, while the rest would have been re-exported to overseas destinations.

It has reminded operators in the logistics sector to "comply with the requirements of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO) and to check with the trademark owners or authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt."

Under the TDO, any person who imports or exports, or sells or possesses for sale any goods to which a forged trademark is applied commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of HKD 500,000 (around $64,000) and five years in prison.