Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Independent Committee in relation to fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po continues its review in current form
The Chairman of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po (Independent Committee), Mr Justice David Lok, said today (June 22) that after careful consideration of various factors, the Independent Committee had decided not to make recommendation to the Chief Executive for turning the Independent Committee into a statutory commission of inquiry. The Independent Committee would continue its work under the current approach.
Mr Justice Lok announced the decision at the evidential hearing of the Independent Committee today. He pointed out that, as a matter of principle, the purpose of a public inquiry was to “identify what happened in the incident and why it happened”. Criminal and civil matters and the Government’s internal accountability did not fall within the scope of the inquiry. “Whether an investigation should be conducted under a particular approach is a strategic decision. The Independent Committee must weigh the pros and cons of various options with the legal principles and the overall public interest in mind. In making this decision, the Independent Committee has thoroughly considered five factors,” he said.
The first factor considered by the Independent Committee was that it had so far received a substantial amount of information (including more than one million files) from different parties. Mr Justice Lok said, “With the assistance of its legal team, the Independent Committee has obtained sufficiently comprehensive information on the roles and responsibilities of different parties in relation to the fire and related matters, as well as whether there are systemic problems in the tendering process of large-scale building maintenance and renovation works. The Independent Committee is confident that it can identify what happened in the incident and why it happened, and analyse and draw conclusions on the matters set out in its terms of reference (ToR). In view of the above, the Independent Committee considers that even if it were to turn into a statutory commission of inquiry, it would be unlikely that the conversion could bring any distinct material help in further clarifying the facts. In fact, even if an involved party decides to forego the opportunity to attend the hearings to give oral evidence, the Independent Committee can still make adverse findings based on the information that it has already obtained. Neither will this affect its ability to draw conclusions on the party’s roles and responsibilities.” Mr Justice Lok added, “Although a statutory commission of inquiry can compel witnesses to attend and give evidence, whether they will co-operate remains uncertain. Indeed, the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have already laid charges against a number of individuals and companies involved in the case and commenced criminal proceedings. This has made the situation more complicated.”
The second factor was the longer time that an investigation of a statutory commission of inquiry would require as a legal procedure. Mr Justice Lok explained that this involved rather technical legal considerations. The legal procedure of a statutory commission of inquiry had certain complexity and was comparatively less flexible. As a result, the statutory commission of inquiry might lose procedural control more easily, thereby prolonging the time that the inquiry would take. For example, a statutory inquiry required that notice and time be given to the parties under investigation to prepare and submit witness statements and documentary materials. The parties under investigation might, through legal procedures, make various applications to the commission, including requesting the commission to re-summon persons who had already given evidence to testify again or requesting further disclosure of documents from a certain party. Further, the parties might provide their evidence and materials only when attending the hearings, thereby causing the hearings to proceed in a fragmented manner. All these would inevitably cause the inquiry to take longer to complete.
The Independent Committee had always attached importance to efficiency. When the Government established the Independent Committee, it set a target for it to complete its work within nine months from the time the committee commenced operation. This was because, taking into account the number of fatalities and injuries and the scale of the fire, the fire at Wang Fuk Court was the gravest incident in Hong Kong in recent years. Apart from the families of the deceased and injured as well as the victims, the public also expected the Independent Committee to identify the causes of the incident as soon as possible and make recommendations to prevent similar incidents from occurring again. In addition, based on past experience, the pursuit of such matters as criminal and civil liabilities and accountability of officials generally awaited the completion of the public inquiry. Meanwhile, some large-scale building maintenance and renovation works in Hong Kong were currently being put on hold, pending the findings of the Independent Committee’s review and its reform recommendations. In view of the above reasons and considering the wider public interest, there was a need for the Independent Committee to complete its work and submit its report in an efficient manner, so as not to affect the pace of calling those responsible into account and of reform.
The third factor was that turning the Independent Committee into a statutory commission of inquiry might affect other legal proceedings, including ongoing or subsequent criminal and civil proceedings. Mr Justice Lok reiterated that the Independent Committee’s purpose was to identify what happened in the incident and why it happened, while personal accountability should be pursued through criminal and civil proceedings. If personal responsibility was investigated by means of a statutory inquiry, it might make the ongoing or subsequent criminal and civil proceedings more complicated and protracted, and create further uncertainty for the prosecution. The work of the LEAs would become more difficult if the hearings of a statutory commission of inquiry and the investigations of the LEAs were to take place concurrently. Also, to avoid affecting ongoing or subsequent criminal proceedings, the LEAs would not be able to disclose the contents of their investigations to the statutory commission of inquiry or the public. This would in turn affect the commission’s work.
Mr Justice Lok said the fourth factor was that, compared with a statutory commission of inquiry which must proceed in accordance with arrangements applicable to other legal proceedings, the current modus operandi of the Independent Committee offered greater flexibility. The Independent Committee had more room and could be more lenient over the evidence-giving process and media coverage of the hearings. Outside the hearings, it could allow witnesses or residents to respond to and comment on the evidence, on who should be held responsible, and on whether certain procedures and practices were appropriate. The Independent Committee could therefore conduct its review in a relatively more open manner, while still upholding the principles of fairness and impartiality.
The fifth factor was whether the presence of bid-rigging and irregularities or not in the large-scale maintenance and renovation works of Wang Fuk Court should be investigated by means of a statutory commission of inquiry. Mr Justice Lok said the ToR(2) of the Independent Committee was to examine whether such behaviours existed in various stages of large-scale building maintenance and renovation works across the territory, not targeting Wang Fuk Court in particular. Therefore, while this was a matter of grave concern to the residents of Wang Fuk Court and the Independent Committee had never shied away from this issue, the Independent Committee considered that bid-rigging or irregularities in the maintenance and renovation works of Wang Fuk Court should be followed up by the LEAs. In fact, over the past months, the LEAs (including the Police, the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Competition Commission) had filed cases against, arrested, and laid charges against parties involved in the fire at and the maintenance and renovation works of Wang Fuk Court. Further enforcement action to bring the suspected criminals into justice had not been ruled out.
Mr Justice Lok stressed, “The work of the Independent Committee must base on facts and evidence. The Independent Committee may need to make some difficult decisions. But, we can assure the public that all decisions made by this judge-led Independent Committee are grounded in legal principles and the public interest. Political and public relations considerations play no part in the Independent Committee’s deliberations.”
Based on the above five considerations, the Independent Committee had decided to complete its investigation under the current approach, with the aim of completing the work within the scheduled timeframe. Under the current plan, the Independent Committee would hear the final submissions of the involved parties from July 15 to 17. Details would be announced separately. After the final submissions, the Independent Committee would continue to process the large volume of written evidence and other materials received, and prepare its report.
The Chief Executive established the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po to review the causes of the fire and related issues, and to make recommendations to prevent similar incidents from occurring again. The ToR of the Independent Committee provides that issues concerning legal liabilities of those involved in the fire are matters for the LEAs’ investigation. Such matters fall outside the scope of the Independent Committee’s ToR.
The Independent Committee formally commenced its work on December 19, 2025. The evidential hearings commenced on March 19, 2026. Four rounds of 24 hearings have been held, and the fifth round is under way. The Independent Committee clarifies the relevant facts through oral evidence given by witnesses in the evidential hearings, written submissions from different parties, and other evidence submitted by other means. These provide an important basis for the preparation of its report and recommendations.
Issued at HKT 19:55
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Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possessing/importing duty-not-paid cigarettes
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possessing/importing duty-not-paid cigarettes
Customs officers intercepted an incoming 34-year-old local male passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on June 13 and seized 3 181 duty-not-paid cigarettes from his personal baggage, with an estimated market value of about $13,000 and a duty potential of about $10,500. The man was subsequently arrested and was sentenced to four weeks’ imprisonment with a fine of $1,000 by the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts today.
In addition, Customs officers intercepted an incoming 44-year-old Chinese male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (June 21) and seized about 17 800 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $73,000 and a duty potential of about $59,000, from his personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested and was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment with a fine of $1,000 by the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts today.
Customs welcomes the sentences. The custodial sentences have imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflect the seriousness of the offences.
Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account(crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 19:36
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Hospital Authority statement on dismissal of resident doctor
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hospital Authority statement on dismissal of resident doctor
The HA holds doctors to the highest standards of professional conduct, behaviour, and discipline. The HA insists that all doctors serving patients in public hospitals must possess both medical competence and conduct themselves in a professional manner. In addition to having professional knowledge to treat patients, they must uphold the strictest professional conduct and place patient well-being, privacy, safety, and care as their foremost priority at all times. The HA has absolutely zero tolerance for any form of behaviour that undermines the professional conduct of doctors. The HA will not permit any doctor who fails to meet the relevant requirements to practise in public hospitals, in order to safeguard patient safety.
Following an investigation, the HA found that a resident doctor at Tuen Mun Hospital was involved in conducting an unauthorised examination on a patient at Ruttonjee Hospital. The incident is linked to an intern doctor who was previously dismissed for a series of serious misconduct. The investigation committee concluded that the resident doctor acted dishonestly and committed serious misconduct, in breach of doctors’ professional ethics and integrity. The HA has taken action to dismiss the resident doctor and will refer the case to the Medical Council of Hong Kong for follow-up.
The HA has notified the resident doctor of the dismissal decision. The HA spokesperson reiterated that the HA will not tolerate or condone any behaviour that compromises patient safety and undermines doctors’ professional integrity, in order to uphold professional ethics and safeguard patient safety. The HA unequivocally condemned the conduct in question.
Issued at HKT 19:30
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CE begins Fujian visit
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Chief Executive John Lee today led a delegation on a visit to Fujian, where he met CPC Fujian Provincial Committee Secretary Zhou Zuyi and attended the High-Level Meeting and Fifth Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Fujian Cooperation Conference.
In their meeting, Mr Lee and Mr Zhou exchanged views on deepening Hong Kong-Fujian co-operation. The Chief Executive said that Fujian, as a forerunner province in the country’s reform and opening up, is an important part of China’s high-level open economy, with a digital industry that is developing rapidly. He added that Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantage of connecting the Mainland and the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, and is an international financial, trade and shipping centre.
Mr Lee stressed that Hong Kong and Fujian are both important gateways for the country’s high-level opening up, and enjoy close economic and trade ties.
He highlighted that Hong Kong has long been the largest source of external investment in Fujian. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s “Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global” supports Mainland enterprises, including those from Fujian, in exploring global business opportunities and reaching overseas markets through leveraging Hong Kong as a springboard.
Mr Lee later attended the High-Level Meeting and Fifth Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Fujian Cooperation Conference, jointly witnessing the signing of multiple co-operation agreements between Hong Kong and Fujian.
The two sides signed a memorandum of co-operation covering finance; civil aviation, maritime transport and logistics; economics, trade and investment; innovation and technology; and legal and dispute resolution.
They also signed six co-operation agreements and memoranda of understanding covering culture and tourism, youth development, finance, economics and trade, and education.
Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui, Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law, Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Janice Tse and Director of the Chief Executive’s Office Carol Yip also attended the meeting.
Mr Lee said the Hong Kong/Fujian Co-operation Conference mechanism is an important platform for deepening exchanges and co-operation between the two places, and has yielded fruitful results.
He added that he was pleased to witness the deepening of co-operation between Hong Kong and Fujian and is confident the two places will continue to leverage their respective strengths, achieve complementary advantages, and contribute to the country’s high-quality development.
In the evening, Mr Lee attended a dinner hosted by Mr Zhou and later visited a local historical and cultural project, Sanfang Qixiang.
He said that Hong Kong is developing as an East-meets-West centre for international arts and cultural exchanges and attaches great importance to cultural conservation.
He expressed the hope that Hong Kong and Fujian will continue to strengthen cultural and tourism co-operation and jointly promote fine traditional Chinese culture.
HK, Fujian deepen ties
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The High-level Meeting and Fifth Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Fujian Co-operation Conference were held in Fuzhou today, with the governments of the two places agreeing to pursue exchanges and co-operation in 11 areas.
The meeting and plenary were staged by Chief Executive John Lee and CPC Fujian Provincial Committee Secretary Zhou Zuyi, leading delegation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and Fujian Government respectively.
They were joined by Director of Bureau III of the CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office and the State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Zou Jinsong.
Hong Kong and Fujian reached a consensus to pursue exchanges and co-operation in finance; civil aviation, maritime transport and logistics; economics, trade and investment; innovation and technology; legal and dispute resolution; culture; education; youth development; health and Chinese medicine; tourism; and facilitation measures for Hong Kong people on the Mainland.
Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki and Vice Governor of Fujian Province Zhao Zenglian signed a “Co-operation Memorandum of the High-Level Meeting and the Fifth Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Fujian Co-operation Conference”.
Another six co-operation agreements were signed by government departments and statutory bodies from the two places covering cultural and tourism co-operation, youth exchanges, finance, promoting the international expansion of Fujian enterprises, education, and jointly establishing the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Fuzhou) Technology Transfer & Commercialisation Center.
Fire committee to keep existing form
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The independent committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po said today that it has decided against recommending to the Chief Executive that it become a statutory commission of inquiry.
The committee’s Chairman, Justice David Lok, told an evidential hearing that after careful consideration of various factors, the committee believes it should continue its work in its current form.
He stressed that determining the approach to take is a strategic decision.
“The independent committee must weigh the pros and cons of various options with the legal principles and the overall public interest in mind,” he said. “In making this decision, the independent committee has thoroughly considered five factors.”
The first of these is that the committee has to date received a substantial amount of information, including more than one million files, from different parties. This includes comprehensive information on the roles and responsibilities of different parties in relation to the fire and related matters, in addition to whether there are systemic problems in the tendering process for large-scale building maintenance and renovation works. The committee is confident that it can identify what happened and why it happened, and analyse and draw conclusions on the matters set out in its terms of reference.
The committee considers that even if it were to turn into a statutory commission of inquiry, it would be unlikely that the conversion would bring any distinct material help in further clarifying the facts.
The second factor is the longer time that an investigation of a statutory commission of inquiry would require as a legal procedure. Mr Lok explained that the legal procedure for a statutory commission of inquiry had certain complexities and was comparatively less flexible.
When the Government established the independent committee, he said, it set a target for it to complete its work within nine months of commencing operation. There was a need for the committee to complete its work and submit its report in an efficient manner, so as not to affect the speed of calling those responsible to account and of implementing reforms.
The third factor is that turning the independent committee into a statutory commission of inquiry might affect other legal proceedings, including ongoing or subsequent criminal and civil proceedings.
Mr Lok’s fourth factor is that, compared with a statutory commission of inquiry – which must proceed in accordance with arrangements applicable to other legal proceedings – the current modus operandi offers greater flexibility.
The independent committee has more room and can be more lenient with regard to the evidence-giving process and media coverage of the hearings, he said. Outside of the hearings, it can allow witnesses or residents to respond to and comment on evidence, on who should be held responsible, and on whether certain procedures and practices are appropriate.
The fifth factor, said Mr Lok, is whether the possibility of bid-rigging and irregularities in large-scale maintenance and renovation works at Wang Fuk Court should be investigated by means of a statutory commission of inquiry. The independent committee considered that this should be followed up by the law enforcement agencies.
Mr Lok stressed: “The work of the independent committee must base on facts and evidence. The independent committee may need to make some difficult decisions. But, we can assure the public that all decisions made by this judge-led independent committee are grounded in legal principles and the public interest. Political and public relations considerations play no part in the independent committee’s deliberations.”
The committee formally commenced its work on December 19 and the evidential hearings commenced on March 19. Four rounds of 24 hearings have been held, and the fifth round is under way.
Brussels ETO supports Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at VivaTech 2026 under Economic and Trade Express Initiative
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Brussels ETO supports Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at VivaTech 2026 under Economic and Trade Express Initiative
As announced by the Chief Executive in the 2025 Policy Address, the new functional ETE platform is launched to enable overseas Economic and Trade Offices, HKTDC, and InvestHK to enhance their work on trade and investment promotion with greater synergy. One key highlight under ETE is to provide one-stop support services by Hong Kong’s overseas trade and investment promotion network to facilitate business exchanges between Hong Kong and overseas markets.
Speaking at a thematic seminar and networking reception titled “Building Resilient Tech Ecosystems: Powering the Next Wave of International Tech Leadership from Hong Kong” on June 19, the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung, welcomed the Hong Kong partners and start-ups participating in the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at VivaTech 2026 as a flagship initiative enabled by ETE, and highlighted Hong Kong’s strategy to leverage its unique strengths to build a dynamic innovation ecosystem.
“Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem brings together four powerful advantages: top-tier research and talent, deep pools of global capital, unparalleled access to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area innovation cluster, and strong connectivity to global markets, providing businesses with a comprehensive platform to innovate, scale up and expand into the Asian and global markets.” Ms Yung said.
Ms Yung also shared with the audiences from both Hong Kong and Europe, the latest development of the Northern Metropolis, the innovation frontier of Hong Kong, including the vast opportunities that the development of the Hong Kong Park in the Loop and the adjacent San Tin Technopole would bring about.
In addition to the event on June 19, Ms Yung also addressed the audiences at a networking reception on June 18, namely “Hong Kong Tech Night: Where Innovation Meets Opportunity”. Leveraging the ETE initiative, Brussels ETO, HKTDC and InvestHK also jointly organised a series of other promotional and networking events to provide targeted support to the participating Hong Kong tech start-ups in exploring the local market, including pitching sessions, thematic seminars, and other networking activities.
This year, the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion features 24 Hong Kong startups, showcasing innovations in artificial intelligence and robotics, health technology, sustainability, and climate technology. Key supporting and participating organisations include Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Productivity Council, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Cyberport.
As Europe’s largest event dedicated to startups and technology, VivaTech 2026 celebrates its 10th edition this year. The event is expected to attract over 180 000 visitors, 14 000 startups, and 3 600 investors from around the world. Brussels ETO has been supporting the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion of VivaTech since 2024 to promote the opportunities of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology sectors.
Issued at HKT 20:45
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“ICH Cuisine” Carnival showcases essence of food making techniques related to intangible cultural heritage
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
“ICH Cuisine” Carnival showcases essence of food making techniques related to intangible cultural heritage
Hong Kong has long been renowned as a “Culinary Paradise”, and is also home to numerous making techniques related to food culture listed in the ICH Inventory of Hong Kong. These ICH items are more than just flavours on the palate. They are the carriers of Chinese culture, deserving of both appreciation and preservation. Demonstrations and workshops on the first day of the Carnival include techniques of making Chinese dim sum, Chiu Chow food, rice dumpling with salted pork, egg tart, moon cake, and Hong Kong-style milk tea. There were also performances of dragon dance and Nanyin, along with ICH games, face painting and photo spots, creating a lively and engaging ICH experience.
Exciting activities for tomorrow include female lion dance and puppetry performances, as well as a number of demonstrations and workshops. Dough figurine is a traditional folk art with a history of over a thousand years. Using flour as the main ingredient, artisans knead and shape figures of people, animals, and flowers and fruits. Pineapple bun has a golden, crisp crust and a soft, fluffy and lightly sweet interior. It takes its name from the grid pattern on the top, which resembles pineapple skin. Participants will be able to make pineapple bun by hand and enjoy them freshly baked on the spot. There will also be a demonstration of ding ding candy making technique. Ding ding candy is made from syrup, which is a mixture of granulated sugar, malt and corn syrup. The syrup is pulled into a long shape and then chiselled into pieces. The candies are named after the sound “ding ding” made when the candy is chopped.
For details of the “ICH Cuisine” Carnival, please visit the website: www.icho.hk/en/web/icho/2026_hkich_month_carnival_oil_street.htmlIssued at HKT 18:05
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Incoming driver convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes and making use of altered structure of vehicle for purpose of smuggling articles
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Incoming driver convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes and making use of altered structure of vehicle for purpose of smuggling articles
Through risk assessment and intelligence analysis, Hong Kong Customs intercepted an inbound private car at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port on April 30, 2025. Upon inspection, Customs officers seized 42 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes from the console box, the rear and two compartments installed underneath the vehicle. The male driver was subsequently arrested, and the private car was also seized. The total estimated market value of the duty-not-paid cigarettes seized in the case was about $210,000, and the duty potential was about $130,000.
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.
Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Moreover, smuggling is a serious offence. Under the IEO, any person found guilty of making use of an altered structure of a vehicle for the purpose of smuggling articles is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.
Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:55
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Hong Kong Customs combats sale of suspected counterfeit and infringing jewellery at fair booths
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Hong Kong Customs today (June 21) conducted an enforcement operation at the Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong (JGA) being held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, seizing about 21 items of suspected counterfeit and infringing jewellery with a total estimated market value of about $30,000.
Customs received information alleging that counterfeit and infringing jewellery were displayed for sale at some booths at the JGA which lasted for four consecutive days starting from June 18.
After an in-depth investigation and with the assistance of the copyright owner, Customs officers today seized the batch of suspected counterfeit and infringing jewellery from two booths.
During the operation, one man and three women, aged between 24 and 50, were arrested for being suspected of contravening the Trade Descriptions Ordinance and the Copyright Ordinance. Two of them are persons-in-charge and two of them are staff. An investigation is ongoing and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
Customs attaches great importance to combating counterfeiting and infringing activities and will deploy officers to different exhibitions to conduct inspections from time to time. Customs will contact the relevant trademark or copyright owners immediately to confirm the authenticity of the goods when suspected counterfeit or infringing goods are found. The department will also take enforcement action after investigations and with the assistance of the trademark or copyright owners.
Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement action. Booth exhibitors are reminded to respect intellectual property rights and not to sell counterfeit and infringing goods.
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.
Under the Copyright Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale an infringing copy of a copyright work commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 for each piece of infringing goods and imprisonment for four years.
Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeiting activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).