Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department

The Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department is a government agency responsible for enforcing laws related to customs, excise duties, trade descriptions, intellectual property rights, and consumer protection. Recent news highlights the department's ongoing efforts to combat various forms of illegal activity. They are newsworthy due to their recent successes in seizing counterfeit goods, smuggled wildlife, and illicit cigarettes. Specifically, they arrested individuals and seized HK$2.2 million worth of counterfeit eyewear, nearly 1,000 smuggled turtles valued at HK$1 million, and HK$2.7 billion worth of illicit cigarettes in 2025, marking a 36% increase in such busts. These actions demonstrate the department's commitment to maintaining law and order, protecting the economy, and safeguarding public health and safety within Hong Kong.