Hong Kong Customs combats sale of counterfeit goods in upstairs showrooms (with photos)

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (December 4) conducted a special operation against the sale of counterfeit goods in upstairs showrooms. About 1 700 items of suspected counterfeit goods, including handbags, belts, watches and shoes, with an estimated market value of about $2 million were seized.

     Customs earlier discovered an upstairs showroom in Causeway Bay selling suspected counterfeit goods. After in-depth investigation with the assistance of trademark owners, Customs officers took enforcement action yesterday and raided the showroom, seizing the batch of suspected counterfeit goods.

     The showroom had been operating in a low-profile mode and mainly served foreign visitors. Famous brands were involved and the goods available for sale had a high degree of resemblance.

     During the operation, a 71-year-old male person-in-charge was arrested.

     Investigation is ongoing.

     With the Christmas holidays approaching, Customs will further step up inspections and enforcement to combat the sale of counterfeit goods.

     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.

     Customs also reminds traders to be cautious and prudent in merchandising since the sale of counterfeit goods is a serious crime 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.

     Members of the public may report any suspected infringing activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).