Hong Kong Customs mounted a special operation between August 27 and September 16 to combat the sale of counterfeit mooncakes and other goods. About 170 boxes of suspected counterfeit mooncakes and more than 3 700 items of suspected counterfeit goods, including apparel, accessories, proprietary Chinese medicines, perfumes, cosmetics and skincare products, with an estimated market value of about $1 million were seized. Two persons were arrested.

     Customs earlier examined a 40-foot container, arriving in Hong Kong from the Mainland and declared to be containing vehicle parts, at the Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal Customs Cargo Examination Compound. About 96 boxes of suspected counterfeit mooncakes and about 1 000 items of suspected counterfeit goods were seized. An initial investigation revealed that the batch of suspected counterfeit mooncakes would have been transshipped to overseas regions.

     In addition, Customs carried out spot checks and inspection in various districts, and detected that suspected counterfeit mooncakes were put on sale in shops. With the assistance of the trademark owners, Customs officers took enforcement action and raided two retail shops. About 74 boxes of suspected counterfeit mooncakes and about 2 700 items of suspected counterfeit goods were seized.

     During the operation, two persons involved in the case were arrested.

     The investigation is ongoing, and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.

     With the Mid-Autumn Festival around the corner, Customs will continue to step up inspections and enforcement to vigorously combat different kinds of counterfeiting activities.

     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. Traders should also be cautious and prudent in merchandising since selling 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 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/Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:37

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