What Changed
- Hong Kong Customs detected 16 cases and seized around 7,000 suspected counterfeit items worth over $7.6 million during operation 'Time Shield'.
- Officers conducted a controlled delivery on October 7, arresting a 65-year-old man in Kwai Chung and seizing 600 items worth $400,000.
- Customs reiterated that applying forged trademarks to imported, exported, or sold goods violates the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, carrying penalties up to $500,000 and five years' imprisonment.
Logistics operators, cross-border traders, trademark owners, and consumers dealing in goods transshipped through Hong Kong SAR should note a recent enforcement action by Hong Kong Customs targeting counterfeit goods in cross-boundary transit.
Between September 28 and October 13, 2026, Hong Kong Customs carried out a dedicated two-week enforcement action codenamed "Time Shield" to combat counterfeit watches and related products transported via cross-boundary transshipment cargo. Based on intelligence analysis and detailed investigations, Customs detected 16 related cases across local logistics companies and express parcel centres. In total, officers seized around 7,000 items of suspected counterfeit goods, including watches, clothing, and mobile phones, with an estimated market value exceeding $7.6 million.
Customs officials indicated that following initial investigations, all seized goods were believed to be intended for export to overseas destinations. During the campaign, Customs organized a controlled delivery operation concerning one batch of the seized items. On October 7, officers arrested a 65-year-old man at an industrial unit in Kwai Chung and seized approximately 600 suspected counterfeit items, including watches and mobile phones, valued at about $400,000. The arrested individual has been released on bail pending further investigation, and inquiries into the cases remain ongoing.
Under Hong Kong SAR’s Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO), importing, exporting, selling, or possessing for sale any goods to which a forged trademark is applied constitutes a criminal offence. Persons convicted under the TDO face a maximum penalty of a $500,000 fine and five years of imprisonment.
Hong Kong Customs urged consumers to purchase items exclusively from reputable shops or websites to avoid acquiring counterfeit products. The authority also reminded logistics industry practitioners of their obligation to comply with the TDO and to verify product authenticity with trademark owners or authorized agents when in doubt. Suspected counterfeiting activities can be reported to Customs through its 24-hour hotline (182 8080), dedicated crime-reporting email ([email protected]), or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Who May Be Affected
Logistics companies, express parcel centres, cross-border traders, trademark owners, and consumers.
Cross-Border Context
The seized counterfeit goods were transshipped via Hong Kong SAR and intended for export to overseas destinations.
What to check next
- Outcome of ongoing investigations and criminal proceedings concerning the arrested individual under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.