Tag: Customs

  • Vietnam Customs Expedite Clearance for Durian, Other Ag Exports: A Boost for Border Trade

    Vietnam Customs Expedite Clearance for Durian, Other Ag Exports: A Boost for Border Trade

    In a bid to streamline border operations and facilitate smoother trade of agricultural goods, particularly durian exports, Vietnam’s Department of Customs has instructed its local sub-departments to hasten customs clearance processes at border checkpoints.

    This directive, which was issued recently, calls for the regional customs branches to provide maximum assistance and ensure same-day clearance of exported agricultural, forestry, and fishery products. This is to be implemented even outside standard operational hours. Furthermore, the order advised the appointment of officers to oversee export shipments and handle customs procedures, even during off-hours, such as evenings, weekends, and public holidays.

    Sub-departments have been directed to swiftly resolve any issues that may arise during customs clearance. Should the situation exceed their jurisdiction, they are to promptly refer the matter to the department for further guidance.

    Cooperation and Coordination

    The directive also emphasized the need for collaboration with warehouse and storage operators at border gates. This collaboration is essential to ensure the availability of proper facilities for the storage and sorting of goods awaiting export. This measure will help maintain the quality of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products.

    Regular updates regarding the progress of agricultural, forestry, and fishery exports are required, along with offering timely information and advice to exporters using local border gates. Coordination with relevant authorities is needed to control traffic and prevent congestion that could disrupt customs clearance.

    Constant dialogue is also critical with customs authorities at corresponding Chinese border gates. This is to ensure the swift resolution of issues that may arise during customs clearance, as well as keeping Vietnamese exporters abreast of any changes to China’s customs management and inspection policies for compliance assurance.

    For shipments that have exited Vietnam but are denied entry into China, customs authorities have been asked to prioritize and expedite re-import procedures based on the request of enterprises.

    The department has also explicitly forbidden any acts of obstruction, harassment, or unnecessary delays in customs clearance, which could escalate costs and result in losses for businesses.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the main aim of the directive issued by Vietnam’s Department of Customs?
    The aim is to expedite customs clearance at border gates for agricultural exports, particularly durian shipments, and to ensure smooth trade operations.

    How will the regional customs sub-departments facilitate this process?
    They are instructed to provide maximum assistance, ensure same-day clearance of exports, resolve issues promptly, and maintain regular communication with corresponding Chinese border gates.

    What measures are being taken to prevent potential issues during customs clearance?
    The sub-departments must coordinate with warehouse and storage operators at border gates for appropriate facilities, provide regular updates, inform exporters of changes in China’s customs policies, and prioritize re-import procedures for rejected consignments.

  • Cathay Cargo Revolutionizes Air Freight With Real-time Customs Clearance Updates

    Cathay Cargo Revolutionizes Air Freight With Real-time Customs Clearance Updates

    Cathay Cargo has become a trailblazer in the industry by being the first airline to provide real-time updates on customs clearance to its customers. They have achieved this by integrating these updates into their EzyCargo platform, and to customers who have already set up ONE Record API links with the airline’s system. This innovation brings a new level of transparency and effectiveness to the air-cargo shipping journey.

    Enhancing Communication with Air Cargo Stakeholders

    This significant development is built upon the IATA ONE Record data protocol. It incorporates customs authorities as a new stakeholder in Cathay Cargo’s real-time customer communication. The integration of customs authority requirements promotes efficiency in the process of cargo shipping.

    Understanding and fulfilling the prerequisites of customs authorities is crucial in the shipping industry. Many require PLACI (pre-load advanced cargo information), and will not allow a shipment to be loaded until they have given clearance. Most also require another level of approval before releasing a shipment upon its arrival. With the new system, customers will have access to live updates as their shipments progress through these stages.

    The initial phase of this project will provide users with clearance status updates from customs authorities in Europe (ICS2 Import Control System), the United States, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. These updates will be recorded as ONE Record “Logistic Events”. Customers will be able to track the status of their shipment, whether it is still pending, under assessment, permitted for load or not, and if it has been held for inspection or cleared for collection at the destination.

    Improving Efficiency and Transparency

    Before this development, obtaining this information required manual updates from ground handling agents. Now, customers can independently access these updates in real-time, allowing them to take necessary corrective steps or adapt to delays due to customs inspections.

    EzyCustoms and EzyCargo are components of the EzyCargo suite of air cargo tools. These were created by Cathay Cargo’s innovation partner, Global Logistics System (HK) Company Limited (GLS). GLS has also spearheaded other digitalization projects for the airline’s commercial and operational settings, including Click & Ship, Cathay Cargo’s online booking platform.

    James Evans, Cathay General Manager Cargo Commercial, emphasized that this integration demonstrates Cathay Cargo’s dedication to the ongoing digitalization of the air-cargo shipment process. “We recognize the value of involving all stakeholders in the air cargo industry in IATA ONE Record, to enhance the transparency and data connectivity of air cargo,” he said.

    Questions & Answers

    How does this new integration by Cathay Cargo benefit customers?
    This new system provides real-time updates on customs clearance status to customers, enhancing transparency and efficiency in the air-cargo shipping journey.

    What is the ONE Record data protocol?
    The ONE Record data protocol is a standard developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to increase data interoperability in the air cargo industry.

    What is the future plan for this integration?
    This extended ONE Record integration is currently only available to Cathay Cargo customers who are subscribed to the EzyCargo platform. However, the company has plans to integrate this additional visibility into the Cathay Cargo website for registered account holders in 2026.

  • NY/NJ Foreign Freight Forwarders & Brokers Association Announces 2025 “Captain of Industry” Award Recipient

    NY/NJ Foreign Freight Forwarders & Brokers Association Announces 2025 “Captain of Industry” Award Recipient

    The NY/NJ Foreign Freight Forwarders & Brokers Association,  announces that Charlene Riley has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Captain of Industry Award. This prestigious honor is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment, and long-standing service to the association and the international trade and logistics community. Ms. Riley will be honored on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, during the association’s annual Dinner Cruise, an event co-hosted with the Traffic Club of New York (TCNY).

    An industry veteran and licensed Customs Broker since 1989, Ms. Riley currently serves as East Coast Import Operations Manager at J.W. Allen. With a distinguished career spanning several decades in freight forwarding and customs brokerage, Ms. Riley has served in a variety of managerial roles. Ms. Riley began her career with Barthco, where she managed numerous offices across the country. She then spent over two decades with John A. Steer Co., rising to the position of Vice President of their NY/NJ office.

    “Charlene Riley exemplifies the integrity, expertise, and dedication that define our industry,” said Jeanette Gioia, President of NYNJFFF&BA. “Her leadership has guided not only our Association but the entire trade community through complex challenges and periods of great change. It is a privilege to recognize her with the 2025 Captain of Industry Award.”

    Ms. Riley has held several leadership positions with the NYNJFFF&BA, including Board of Governors, Treasurer, Vice President of Imports, and President, and most recently as Senior Advisor and former Chair. Her strategic guidance and deep operational knowledge have been instrumental in advancing the mission of the association. She is also a key contributor on the national stage through her active involvement with the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) especially the Future Role of the Broker Committee. She had represented the Port of New York/New Jersey on the Customs Committee, chaired the Legislative Committee, and headed the FIATA Committee, having represented the U.S. at two FIATA World Congress events.

    The celebration will take place aboard the Cornucopia Destiny, departing from Liberty Harbor Marina, 11 Marin Blvd, Jersey City, NJ, with boarding beginning promptly at 6:00 PM and disembarking between 9:30-10:00 PM. For details see Dinner Cruise 2025 – NYNJ.  Guests will enjoy an evening of networking and celebration featuring an open bar, appetizers, full dinner and dessert, DJ music, and dancing. Contact (732) 741-1936 for more information.

  • Hong Kong chain AbouThai raided over labelling breaches

    Hong Kong chain AbouThai raided over labelling breaches

    Hong Kong authorities have seized nearly 9000 Thai cleaning products suspected to have wrong labeling from a shop founded by a pro-democracy activist facing charges under the city’s contentious national security law. Customs officers on Thursday raided 25 shops belonging to the chain, AbouThai, and arrested a 33-year-old male director of the group, the government said in a statement.

    The suspect had been released on bail and further arrests had not been ruled out, it added.

    “The product information marked on the packages of the products involved failed to bear Chinese and English bilingual warnings or cautions,” it said, adding the estimated market value of the 8805 products seized was about HK$400,000 (US$51,400).

    Under Hong Kong’s Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance, warnings or cautions on products must be in both English and Chinese and are required to be “legibly and conspicuously shown on the goods”.

    Customs chiefs said the raids were carried out in connection with missing safety warnings on cleaning products, with some only having warnings or cautions in Thai, while others bore warnings or cautions in Thai and English.

    The company’s founder, Mike Lam, is among 47 democrats charged under the city’s national security law on a charge of conspiracy to commit subversion and is currently on bail.

    Crowds queued outside branches of the shop across the city on Friday to show support for Lam, with some saying they believed the raid was politically motivated.

    “I find it unreasonable that the Customs targeted AbouThai. That’s why I come here to support. I am quite touched that many people come,” said Chris, who declined to give his full name due to the sensitivity of the national security law.

    The legislation punishes what Beijing broadly defines as secessionism, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in jail.

    Local broadcaster RTHK quoted Vincent Chan, from the customs consumer protection bureau, as saying the department condemned any “false accusation” that the raid was an “act of repression”.

    Hong Kong anti-government protesters have queued outside businesses that openly support the democracy movement since anti-government protests flared in 2019.

    The former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997 with a promise of safeguards for its wide-ranging autonomy. Democracy activists say authorities are chipping away at those freedoms, accusations which officials in Beijing and Hong Kong reject.

  • Hong Kong Customs seize $2m in fake goods in prime retail strip

    Hong Kong Customs seize $2m in fake goods in prime retail strip

    Hong Kong Customs raided an upstairs showroom in the heart of the city’s prime retail precinct this week, seizing about HK$2 million worth of fake goods.

    They arrested a 71-year-old man on site who was allegedly in charge of the counterfeit retailing business.

    A Customs spokesperson said the showroom had been operating in “a low-profile mode” and mainly served foreign visitors to Hong Kong. Typically in these businesses, tourists are approached by individuals and invited to see luxury goods in hidden-away ‘stores’.

    Customs had earlier discovered an upstairs showroom in Causeway Bay selling suspected counterfeit goods and after an investigation with the assistance of trademark owners, officers took enforcement action on Wednesday. After raiding the showroom they seized about 1700 items including handbags, belts, watches and sneakers.

    “Famous brands were involved and the goods available for sale had a high degree of resemblance,” said the spokesperson.

    Customs says it plans to step up investigations into the sale of counterfeit goods and enforcement of the law in the coming weeks as Christmas approaches.

    The spokesperson reminded traders to be “cautious and prudent” in merchandising since the sale of 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 offense. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

  • Hong Kong Customs seizes counterfeit sport shoes

    Hong Kong Customs seizes counterfeit sport shoes

    Hong Kong Customs seized about 12 000 pairs of suspected counterfeit sports shoes on Monday, with an estimated market value of about $1 million.

    The fake goods were discovered in a shipping container at the Customs Cargo Examination Compound of the River Trade Terminal in Tuen Mun.

    However, the shoes were not destined for the local market. Through a routine risk-assessment program, Customs officers inspected a 40-foot-long container destined for the Dominican Republic that arrived in Hong Kong from Huangpu in Guangdong. Upon inspection, Customs officers seized the batch of suspected counterfeit sports shoes in the container.

    The counterfeit sports shoes were not clearly branded in the image released by Hong Kong Customs (above).  Investigations are continuing.

    Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who imports or exports any goods to which a forged trademark is applied commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

  • Scale of Stanley hawker’s counterfeit goods business surprises Customs

    Scale of Stanley hawker’s counterfeit goods business surprises Customs

    Hong Kong Customs who raided a mobile hawker selling counterfeit goods in Stanley on Friday was surprised by the scale of the operation behind it.

    Some 6900 items of suspected counterfeit goods were seized, including clothing, caps, and shoes, with an estimated market value of $420,000.

    But what made this raid stand out was that it was the first-ever case detected of a single mobile hawker selling counterfeit items using multiple mobile-storage facilities.

    After raiding the single stall they discovered 13 storage facilities in nearby alleys linked to the stall.

    A 44-year-old female stall owner was arrested.

    The enforcement activity followed a tipoff alleging the sale of suspected counterfeit items at Stanley. After an in-depth investigation with the assistance of trademark owners, the raid was carried out.

    A Customs spokesperson said inspection and enforcement activity to combat the sale of counterfeit goods will be stepped up during the summer holiday.

    “Customs reminds traders to be cautious and prudent in merchandising since the sale of counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions. Customs also reminds consumers to procure goods at reputable shops and to check with the trademark owners or their authorized agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt.”

    Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells, or possesses for sale, any goods with a forged trademark commits an offense. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a $500,000 fine and five years imprisonment.

  • Hong Kong Customs smash two counterfeit cosmetics rings

    Hong Kong Customs smash two counterfeit cosmetics rings

    Hong Kong Customs officers have smashed two counterfeit-cosmetics rings selling makeup and skincare products.

    In a five-day-long anti-counterfeiting operation last week, 12 people were arrested after seven retail stores and three warehouses were raided across the territory. Some 6400 items of suspected counterfeit cosmetics were seized with a market value estimated at HK$590,000.

    The raids followed routine patrols where Customs officers discovered shops selling suspected counterfeit goods.

    “After an in-depth investigation with the assistance of trademark owners, Customs officers took enforcement action in various districts during the above-mentioned period,” a Customs spokesperson said.

    Six retail shops in Causeway Bay, Yau Ma Tei and Sheung Shui were raided first resulting in the seizure of about 1400 counterfeit items. After further investigation, Customs then focused on two suppliers distributing suspected counterfeit cosmetics and skin care products. A retail shop in Sheung Shui and three storage facilities of the two suppliers located in Yuen Long and Fanling were raided. About 5000 items were seized across those locations.

    The products seized included toner, lotion, moisturising gel and sunscreen. Seven of the people arrested were men and five were women. They comprised five directors, one shop owner and six salespersons, all aged between 23 and 46.

    “Investigation is ongoing and all arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation,” the spokesperson said.

    Divisional Commander (IP general investigation) of Customs, Peggy Tam, said Customs has been taking stringent enforcement actions against the sale of counterfeit goods. She warned traders to be cautious and prudent in merchandising since the sale of counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions. She also appealed to consumers to procure goods at reputable shops and to check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt.

    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.

  • Customs seizes $7 million worth of fake goods

    Customs seizes $7 million worth of fake goods

    Hong Kong Customs has seized 55,000 items of fake goods destined for the US during a three-month campaign to combat cross-border counterfeiting. The haul, some of which is shown in the accompanying photograph, included trainer, apparel, mobile phones and accessories, handbags and Beats-branded headphones.

    Customs officers estimated the value of the haul to be about HK$7 million.

    “Hong Kong Customs has been working closely with the US Customs and Border Protection using intelligence exchanges, and took targeted enforcement action between January and April including stepped-up inspection of suspicious express courier parcels destined for the US,” said a Customs spokesperson.

    “Hong Kong Customs will continue working closely with overseas law enforcement agencies to combat cross-boundary counterfeiting activities through intelligence exchanges and joint enforcement actions.”

    Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who imports or exports any goods to which a forged trademark is applied commits an offense. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

  • Jail Sentence for trade-show Fraudsters

    Jail Sentence for trade-show Fraudsters

    Two trade-show fraudsters have received jail sentences after Customs caught them selling fake goods at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.

    A person in charge of an exhibition booth and a salesperson were sentenced to three months’ imprisonment and three months’ imprisonment suspended for 12 months respectively on March 15 and April 12 at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts for offering to supply goods with false trade description and possession of goods with a forged trademark for the purpose of trade or business.

    They had contravened the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO), according to a spokesperson for Customs.

    The sentence imposed on the person in charge of the exhibition booth is the heaviest penalty in the past decade among similar cases of infringement that took place at exhibition fairs.

    Customs earlier received the trademark owner’s information alleging the display of counterfeit handbags for order at a booth in a leather fair held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

    After investigation, Customs officers conducted a test-buy operation and successfully ordered 500 counterfeit handbags and seized five counterfeit handbag samples at a booth with an estimated market value of about $40,000 in total. A 36-year-old man in charge and a 29-year-old saleslady were arrested and prosecuted.

    The Customs spokesperson promised to continue to take “stringent enforcement action” to combat infringing activities. Booth exhibitors are reminded to respect intellectual property rights and not to sell counterfeit goods.

    Under the TDO, 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.

    Despite stringent vetting of exhibitors, fake products at major Hong Kong exhibitions has been concerning authorities for some time. In September 2016, Customs officers seized a fake branded jewellery at a trade show in the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.

  • Counterfeit goods seized in Stanley retail raids

    Counterfeit goods seized in Stanley retail raids

    Hong Kong Customs seized about 1300 fake branded items with a street value estimated at $600,000 during Stanley retail raids yesterday.

    The raid followed an earlier patrol where officers found suspected counterfeit goods were being sold at retail shops in the seaside suburb.

    The goods seized included handbags, leather products and clothing.

    A Customs spokesperson said that with the assistance of trademark owner, Customs officers took enforcement action, raiding two retail shops and one storage facility in the district.

    One man and two women were arrested – a shop owner and two salespersons, all aged between 34 and 47.

    The investigation is ongoing.

    Customs has previously said it will continue to step up inspection and enforcement to combat the sale of counterfeit goods and the number of raids in the territory has increased this year.

    “Customs reminds traders to be cautious and prudent in merchandising since the sale of counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal liability,” said the spokesperson.

    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.

  • Police smash massive China counterfeiting gang

    Police smash massive China counterfeiting gang

    Police have shut down a huge China counterfeiting ring estimated to have raked in some US$15 million.

    Chinese police have arrested 32 people believed to be part of the operation, which focused on counterfeiting luxury-branded goods.

    The Shanghai raid led to the seizure of more than 4000 items of luxury apparel and accessories bearing Louis Vuitton, Kenzo and Loewe labels, among other top brands. Two assembly lines producing the counterfeit items were shut down.

    The raid was in response to a tip-off to the Shanghai Qingpu district public security bureau that fake Louis Vuitton bags were selling on Chinese social media platform, WeChat.

    Estimates held that the ring had sold more than 100,000 fake luxury items at a value of around RMB100 million (US$14.9 million). Each item would have cost around RMB200 ($30) to produce.

    The rise of online markets all over the world has been blamed for a general increase in fake products sold globally. The counterfeit industry is now worth an estimated $590 billion a year, and accounts for around 3.3 per cent of total international trade.

    According to customs officials, the most frequently seized fakes are items of footwear, clothing, leather goods and IT equipment. China is by far the world’s largest source of pirated goods.

  • HK customs seized counterfeit cosmetics

    HK customs seized counterfeit cosmetics

    Hong Kong Customs has seized more than 1300 items of suspected counterfeit cosmetics after raids on three sites this week. In an anti-counterfeiting operation conducted with the assistance of the trademark owners, customs officers took enforcement action at four dispensaries, five medicine stores and a warehouse. The raids took place in Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok and Sheung Shui.

    The suspected counterfeit cosmetics and skin care products have an estimated market value of about $73,000 and included soothing gel, eyebrow pencils and face powder.

    Eight men and five women were arrested, including seven shop owners and six salespersons, aged from 19 to 60. They have all been released on bail as investigations continue.

    In a statement, Hong Kong Customs said it has been carrying out stringent enforcement against the sale of infringing goods and will continue to step up patrols and enforcement actions against infringing activities during the Christmas season.

    “Customs reminds consumers to procure goods at reputable shops and to check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt.”

    Retailers were warned to be cautious and prudent in merchandising since the sale of counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal liability.

    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.

  • Macau Customs raids two stores selling counterfeit products

    Macau Customs raids two stores selling counterfeit products

    Macau Customs officers have arrested five local residents after busting a luxury counterfeit-goods retailing business in the territory.

    Nearly 500 fake items of clothing, handbags, belts shoes and watches carrying brand names including Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Chanel and Hermes were seized in raids. Officers suspect the goods had a street value of MOP3.65 million (US$451,445).

    The Customs action followed complaints by the brand owners. Two retail stores located in the NAPE and Central districts of Macau were raided, Customs announced this week.

    The goods were brought in from the mainland and were being sold in shops at retail prices matching those of genuine products on sale in the city.

    People caught selling counterfeit goods in Macau face jail terms of up to six months.

  • Hong Kong Customs Roll Up Counterfeit Phone Gangs

    Hong Kong Customs Roll Up Counterfeit Phone Gangs

    A territory-wide Hong Kong Customs raid has resulted in arrests and netted 100 smartphones suspected of being counterfeits.

    During the one-day Operation Snow Leopard, officers raided 12 shops and two storage places, seizing smartphones with suspected false trademarks or bearing possibly false trade descriptions. They also found about 3400 accessories also suspected of being fakes.

    Arrested were 18 men and a woman between 21 and 48 years old, including shop owners and salespersons, while the market value of the seized goods is estimated to be about HK$1.5 million.

    Customs had earlier received information alleging that some phone-repair shops sold suspected counterfeit smartphone accessories, and some shops were suspected to have engaged in unfair trade practices by selling old smartphones as new products, or selling parallel-imported smartphones as authorised products.

    After an in-depth investigation with the help of trademark owners, Customs took the enforcement action yesterday and raided 12 shops.

    Customs also cracked down on a syndicate in connection with export, supply and distribution of suspected counterfeit smartphones and accessories. A total of 64 suspected counterfeit smartphones and 330 suspect accessories were seized from the storage places in Sham Shui Po and Tsing Yi.

    A 32-year-old male head and 34-year-old female member of the syndicate were arrested. With the investigation ongoing, more arrests are possible.

    Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau chief Catherine Yip says the successful detection of the case was attributed to reporting by members of the public and the full help of trademark owners.
    She says Customs will step up inspection and enforcement with the approach of the Labour Day Golden Week.

    Customs says traders need to comply with the requirements of the Trade Description Ordinance (TDO) as the sale of counterfeit goods can lead to a fine of up to $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

    Meanwhile, Customs has broadened reporting options by introducing a dedicated crime-reporting email account ([email protected]).

    Intelligence Bureau chief Kitty Poon says public reports received by Customs have risen progressively by 21 per cent, from 31,994 in 2015 to 38,819 last year. Of these, the proportion received via email has grown from 30 per cent in 2015 to almost 40 per cent last year.