HONG KONG: Hong Kong Customs mounted a series of special operations from December last year to January this year at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. These operations aimed at combating activities involving the unlicensed export of powdered formula for infants and children under 36 months (powdered formula). In these operations, 187 men and 176 women, aged between 15 and 79, were arrested in 363 cases.
A total of about 4 120 kilogrammes (in 4 545 boxes and 604 cans) of powdered formula were seized with a total value of about $1,450,000. Among these cases, the largest single seizure involved about 37 kilogrammes of powdered formula. Suspected offenders attempted to export powdered formula using their backpacks, handbags and suitcases.
Used paper boxes, altered trolleys and baby strollers were also used for carrying the contraband.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong Customs strengthened bilateral co-operation with Mainland Customs and jointly mounted anti-smuggling operations codenamed “SG1” and “SG2” at various passenger control points. The two sides simultaneously stepped up enforcement actions against illicit parallel trading activities. So far 22 joint operations were mounted and 84 cases were effected with the seizures valued at about $1,750,000.
With the approach of the Lunar New Year, Hong Kong Customs and Mainland Customs will continue to step up enforcement efforts against such illegal activities.
The Import and Export (General)(Amendment) Regulation 2013 prohibits the unlicensed export of powdered formula for infants and children under 36 months.
To allow a reasonable quantity for personal use, the prohibition does not apply to powdered formula not exceeding 1.8 kilogrammes in total net weight that is exported in the accompanied personal baggage of a person leaving Hong Kong. However, the person must be aged 16 or above and must not have left Hong Kong in the past 24 hours. Offenders may face a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years upon conviction.
