Hong Kong Customs special operation combats sale of counterfeit liquor (with photo)
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Customs earlier received information alleging that there were retail shops selling suspected counterfeit liquor. After in-depth investigation and with the assistance of the trademark owners, Customs officers conducted inspection in various districts and took enforcement action, and raided five retail shops in Tsim Sha Tsui, Sheung Shui, Tai Po and Fanling respectively. The batch of suspected counterfeit liquor was seized.
During the operation, six men and two women, aged between 26 and 55, were arrested. They included four shop proprietors and four staff members.
An investigation is ongoing and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
Samples of the suspected counterfeit liquor involved in the cases were sent to the Government Laboratory for testing. The tests were completed in July and the test results revealed that the samples did not contain methanol.
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 counterfeit 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/Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Issued at HKT 10:24
Issued at HKT 10:24
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