Hong Kong Customs’ Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau have raided two retail shops of a syndicate selling suspected counterfeit cosmetics.

Customs Officers seized about 100 items of suspected counterfeit cosmetic products with a total value of about HK$5000. Two female salespersons, aged 17 and 23, were arrested.

Customs earlier received a complaint about the sale of suspected counterfeit cosmetics in the Mong Kok area. Upon investigation, officers raided two shops and seized items including lipstick, make-up remover pens, mascara and eye shadow.

All cosmetic products seized bore the same Korean brand name and some resembled those of a product line of the brand, but with packaging which differed significantly from the original products.

Similar packaging to a product line of the brand was used to pack the goods and such counterfeit cosmetics were labelled ‘limited edition’ in order to obtain a higher profit margin.

Customs has advised consumers to purchase goods from brands’ own stores or reputable retailers.

“Prior to making a purchase decision, consumers should try to learn more about the product details such as the appearance and the packaging,” the IPIB said in a statement.

Customs officers will continue to conduct anti-counterfeit patrols in various districts of Hong Kong and online.

“Retailers should be prudent and should pay attention when sourcing goods and obtain their goods from reputable suppliers.”

Those who sell or possess for sale any goods in Hong Kong to which a forged trademark is applied can be fined up to $500,000 upon conviction and imprisoned for up to five years.