​Hong Kong Customs yesterday (January 10) detected a case involving online sale of counterfeit cosmetics products and perfume and seized about 2 600 items of suspected counterfeit products with an estimated market value of about $960,000. A man was arrested.

     Customs earlier received information alleging that suspected counterfeit cosmetics products and perfume had been put on sale through online platforms. An initial investigation revealed that a seller set up a dedicated page in an online community marketplace to sell suspected counterfeit cosmetics products and perfume. 

     Customs officers then posed as customers and conducted test-purchases online. After an in-depth investigation with the assistance of trademark owners, Customs officers took enforcement action yesterday and raided a residential premises in Yuen Long. A 45-year-old man suspected to be connected with the case was arrested. 

     An investigation is ongoing and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out. Also, Customs is looking into the source of the suspected counterfeit goods involved in the case and samples will be sent to the Government Laboratory for safety testing.

     Customs appeals to consumers to purchase goods at reputable shops or online shops and to check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt.

     Furthermore, Customs reminds online sellers not to sell counterfeit goods and to 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 infringement activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

Ends/Wednesday, January 11, 2023
Issued at HKT 16:22

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