What Changed
- Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Macao Customs conducted a joint anti-counterfeiting operation from October 15 to 22, 2026.
- Hong Kong Customs detected 13 cases at local courier and logistics firms, seizing about 40,000 suspected counterfeit goods valued at $9 million.
- Authorities reiterated statutory penalties under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance of up to $500,000 fine and five years' imprisonment for importing or exporting goods with forged trademarks.
Express couriers, logistics providers, and cross-border traders operating across Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and global export destinations face heightened enforcement scrutiny following a joint anti-counterfeiting initiative by regional customs authorities.
From October 15 to October 22, 2026, Hong Kong Customs executed a coordinated enforcement action alongside Mainland Customs and Macao Customs targeting cross-boundary transshipment of counterfeit goods. The tripartite operation stepped up cargo inspections across all three jurisdictions for goods destined for international markets in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Through intelligence analysis and targeted investigations, Hong Kong Customs detected 13 related cases at local express couriers and logistics companies. Enforcement officers seized approximately 40,000 suspected counterfeit items, including watches, mobile phones, bags, glasses, and footwear. The total estimated market value of the seized goods is about $9 million.
This enforcement initiative highlights statutory obligations and potential criminal liability under Hong Kong’s Trade Descriptions Ordinance. Under the Ordinance, importing or exporting any goods bearing a forged trademark constitutes an offense. Upon conviction, offenders are subject to maximum statutory penalties including a fine of $500,000 and five years of imprisonment.
Hong Kong Customs confirmed it will maintain close operational cooperation with Mainland Customs, Macao Customs, and overseas law enforcement agencies through ongoing intelligence exchanges and joint enforcement actions. Members of the public and commercial entities may report suspected counterfeiting activity to Hong Kong Customs via its 24-hour hotline (182 8080), dedicated crime-reporting email account ([email protected]), or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Who May Be Affected
Express couriers, logistics firms, freight forwarders, and international traders shipping goods via Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, and Macao SAR.
Cross-Border Context
Coordinated tripartite customs action across Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, and Macao SAR targeting global export transshipment routes into the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
What to check next
- Monitor for formal court proceedings or criminal prosecutions originating from the 13 detected cases.
- Track further joint announcements from Mainland China or Macao SAR Customs detailing enforcement statistics.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.