HONG KONG: About 200 parcels mailed from the mainland to the United States carrying counterfeit electronic products were intercepted in a three-day joint operation mounted by Hong Kong Customs and United States authorities.
In Hong Kong, about 1,300 fakes including mobile phones, tablet computers and chargers were confiscated in 54 parcels totalling an estimated street value of HK$1.3 million, the Customs and Excise Department said.
Customs seizes HK$10 million in fake products at popular Hong Kong street market in largest counterfeit haul in years. The US authorities intercepted 140 shipments and confiscated fake electronic products that could be sold for US$1.1 million there during the operation conducted between November 15 and 17 last year.
It is understood some of the parcels intercepted in the United States were confiscated based on intelligence from Hong Kong customs officials. Initial investigation showed the fake products were mailed from the mainland and destined for the US via Hong Kong, a source said.
“It is possible smugglers believe goods from Hong Kong will receive less scrutiny in the US,” the source said. The department said the operation with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and US Customs and Border Protection was meant to “fight transnational counterfeiting activities”. For the operation, local customs officials enhanced their inspection of outbound express parcels, targeting electronic products destined for the US.
“This is one of the ongoing collaborative moves Hong Kong Customs has taken with international law enforcement authorities to curb transnational counterfeiting activities,” the department said. Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, importing or exporting goods with a forged trademark carries a maximum penalty of five years in jail and a HK$500,000 fine.
