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 in Hong Kong. Recent news highlights the department's ongoing efforts to combat illicit activities. They are newsworthy due to a series of recent seizures and arrests related to counterfeit goods, smuggled wildlife, and illicit cigarettes. Specifically, they seized HK$2.2 million in counterfeit eyewear, arrested five people, and confiscated nearly 1,000 smuggled turtles worth HK$1 million. Furthermore, the department reported a 36% increase in illicit cigarette busts last year, seizing HK$2.7 billion worth of goods and highlighting concerns about the use of children in smuggling operations. These actions demonstrate the department's continued vigilance in protecting Hong Kong's economy, environment, and public health by preventing illegal activities and enforcing relevant regulations.