Hong Kong Customs officers conducted a two-day (October 20 and 21) operation to crack down on suspected fake bottled bird's nests.
This is the first time that Customs officers have come across suspected fake bottled bird's nests.
Before mounting the operation, Customs officers from the Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau have undergone extensive investigations based on information given by the Consumer Council.
In the raids against 12 retail outlets and three premises (offices and warehouse), Customs officers seized 31,980 bottles of suspected fake bird's nests, retailed at about $2.1 million; and arrested four women and a man, aged between 31 and 46, including the supplier and distributors of the seizure.
Rounding up the operation at a press conference today (October 22), the Head of the Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau, Mr Tam Yiu-keung, said that Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department is fully committed to cracking down on counterfeit and fake goods activities. ?蔗he success of this operation is a sound testament to the effectiveness of close co-operation between Hong Kong Customs and the Consumer Council.??/p>
He said that this case was an isolated incident involving unscrupulous business practices. So far, Hong Kong Customs have not received other reports of similar nature.
Despite this, Mr Tam warned members of the public, including industry players, not to contravene the Trade Descriptions Ordinance as they will be liable to prosecution. The maximum penalty for the offence is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Initial investigations revealed that the seizures were believed to have been sourced from the same factory in the Mainland. Hong Kong Customs officers have passed information to the Guangdong Customs, and requested them to take follow-up investigations into the source of the bottled bird's nests.
The results of preliminary analysis by the Government Chemist on samples of the seized bottled bird's nests revealed that their ingredients did not contain any substances of bird's nests.
As revealed by initial available information, the goods did not contain any substance that is harmful to health. Detailed laboratory tests have yet to be completed by the Government Chemist.
Consumers should count on reputable brand names in selecting bottled bird's nests for purchase. If they have any questions about the veracity of a product, they are advised to approach the Consumer Council for assistance.
Any person who wants to give information about suspected fake bottled bird's nests as those seized by Hong Kong Customs may contact Customs Special 24-hour Hotline on 2851 1217.
Any person who has any information about fake products may report to the Customs 24-hour Hotline 2545 6182.
Also attending the press conference was the Head of the Complaints and Advice Division, Consumer Council, Mr Chan Wing-kai.
Hong Kong Customs will continue to work closely with the Consumer Council to protect consumer interest by eliminating fake goods from the market.
Ends/Friday, October 22, 2004