Hong Kong Customs combats sale of suspected counterfeit jewellery at fair booths (with photos)
******************************************************************************************
Customs received information alleging that counterfeit jewellery was displayed for sale at some booths at the JGA which began yesterday (June 19) and will last for four consecutive days.
After an in-depth investigation and with the assistance of the trademark owners, Customs officers today conducted test-buy operations and seized about 50 pieces of suspected counterfeit jewellery, with a total estimated market value of about $150,000, from three booths.
During the operation, three men and two women, aged between 28 and 48, were arrested for being suspected of contravening the Trade Descriptions Ordinance. Three of them are persons-in-charge and two of them are staff members. An investigation is ongoing and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
Customs attaches great importance to combating infringing and counterfeiting activities and will deploy officers to different exhibitions to conduct inspections from time to time. Customs will contact the relevant trademark or copyright owners immediately to confirm the authenticity of the goods when suspected infringing or counterfeit goods are found. The department will also take enforcement action after investigations and with the assistance of the trademark or copyright owners.
Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement action. Booth exhibitors are reminded to respect intellectual property rights and not to sell counterfeit goods.
Under the 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 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).
Ends/Friday, June 20, 2025
Issued at HKT 23:25
Issued at HKT 23:25
NNNN
Photo
