Hong Kong Customs combats unfair trade practices by phone repair shops
**********************************************************************
Customs noticed that some phone repair shops made false claims to customers that the screens used in their phone repair services were new and original products. An investigation was then launched. With the assistance of the trademark owner, Customs officers conducted test-buy operations in Mong Kok, Tuen Mun and Yuen Long, arresting seven local salesmen aged between 23 and 53. A batch of suspected counterfeit mobile phone components was seized.
Investigations are ongoing. All arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation.
Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO. Traders should also be cautious in merchandising, since the sale of counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions. Consumers should procure services or goods from reputable shops and check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt.
Under the TDO, any trader who applies a false trade description to a service supplied or offered to be supplied to a consumer, or 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 violations of the TDO 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, June 30, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:16
Issued at HKT 16:16
NNNN