Hong Kong Customs arrested seven men after a series of raids on mobile phone repair shops accused of misleading customers by selling counterfeit or generic components as brand-new original screens. The enforcement action, carried out between June 26 and June 29 with assistance from trademark holders, focused on outlets in Mong Kok, Tuen Mun and Yuen Long, according to statements from the department.

Investigators said some shops promoted screen replacement services at prices significantly below official repair charges, claiming to install full-price, new original displays. Undercover officers posing as customers were allegedly quoted between HK$1,000 and HK$2,000 for "original" screens, roughly half the about HK$2,500 charged through official channels, but were instead supplied with non-original or suspected counterfeit parts.

During the operation, Customs officers seized a batch of mobile phone components bearing suspected forged trademarks, including screens, batteries and back-glass panels. The seven arrested store employees, aged between 23 and 53, are suspected of applying false trade descriptions in the provision of repair services and of possessing goods with forged trademarks for commercial purposes, in possible contravention of Hong Kong’s Trade Descriptions Ordinance. All have been released on bail pending further investigation.

Customs officials warned that some businesses may be exploiting consumers’ limited technical knowledge and the practical difficulty of inspecting internal parts after repairs, using lookalike or non-original components to maximise profit. The department reminded traders that selling counterfeit goods and applying false descriptions are serious offences. On conviction under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, offenders face a maximum penalty of a HK$500,000 fine and five years’ imprisonment. Consumers were advised to use reputable repair providers and to consult trademark owners or their agents if they have doubts about the authenticity of products or parts.

Hong Kong is easing cross-border requirements for visiting yachts as the government accelerates efforts to position the city as an Asian hub for marine leisure and tourism. The Maritime Department has introduced three measures that simplify approval procedures and speed up customs and immigration handling for foreign-registered pleasure craft, targeting yacht owners in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and beyond.

At the core of the revamp is an upgraded electronic business system that went live on the day of the announcement. Owners or captains of visiting yachts can now open personal accounts directly on the platform, without going through a local agent. They can file vessel, crew and passenger information in advance for pre-clearance by relevant departments and complete customs procedures and payments online, in what officials describe as a one-stop digital process.

The Maritime Department is also relaxing berthing requirements that previously obliged visiting yachts to secure a berth at a privately operated marina or pier before entering Hong Kong. A new dynamic monitoring system allows eligible yachts equipped with an automatic identification system and very high frequency radio to navigate freely and anchor within designated areas, provided operations remain safe and orderly. Five anchorages for visiting yachts have been set aside at Stanley Bay, Tai Tam Bay, Repulse Bay, Kei Ling Ha in Sai Kung, and Tai O.

To make it easier for captains from mainland China to meet local qualification standards, Hong Kong has authorized relevant mainland institutions to run examinations on Hong Kong waters knowledge and approved seven training providers to offer recognized courses. The first cohort of mainland captains passed exams or completed training in mid-month, and authorities say they plan to extend the arrangement to overseas locations in due course. The government and the Maritime Department will monitor how the new regime operates and adjust it as needed, while pledging to work closely with mainland counterparts and the tourism industry to foster what they describe as a healthy, sustainable and competitive environment for Hong Kong’s yacht economy.