ENG-1995 — Page 338

PUBLIC ORDER

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communication equipment into China. In 1995, 86 cases of smuggling were detected at the land border control points. Seizures amounted to $76.3 million and 48 vehicles used for smuggling. Smuggling of antiques from China through the land border continued. Seizures valued at $28.8 million were made in the four cases discovered.

Illegal imports through the postal network continued to grow. The department has reinforced its intelligence gathering to select parcels for examination more effectively. In 1995, 113 cases of smuggling through the postal system were detected. Seizures included dangerous drugs, pharmaceutical products, poisons, obscene articles, copyright infringing goods, and false travel documents.

The Organised and Serious Crimes Ordinance enacted in late 1994 has proved an effective weapon, giving additional powers to Customs and Excise officers to investigate organised crimes, which include smuggling offences, and to apply for the confiscation of the proceeds of serious crimes.

Strategic Commodities

The department works closely with the Trade Department and other agencies to exercise control over imports and exports of strategic commodities. The objective is to prevent Hong Kong from being used as a conduit for the proliferation of weapons. The territory's effective control system has inspired its trading partners' confidence and has helped Hong Kong to gain access to a wide range of high technologies. To deter illegal diversions, the department has stepped up its enforcement action by carrying out more physical checks on import and export consignments. During the year the department investigated 350 cases.

Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights Protection

The department is the sole enforcement agency responsible for the protection against copyright infringement and trade mark forgery. The protection is provided through the Copyright Ordinance and the Trade Descriptions Ordinance and extends to trade marks registered under the Trade Marks Ordinance. In enforcing these laws, the department investigates complaints about infringements and initiates action against piracy and counterfeiting. Close liaison is maintained with copyright and trade mark owners, their legal representatives, intellectual property rights organisations and foreign enforcement agencies.

The department continues to take vigorous action against the sale of pirated audio CD, video CD and CD-ROM, and counterfeit watches, leather goods, clothing and electrical products. Operations are conducted at hawking areas, retail shops, storage places, distribution centres and the border control points. In 1995, the department seized pirated goods worth $42.5 million and prosecuted 1 507 persons under the Copyright Ordinance. It also seized $248.6 million worth of counterfeit and falsely- labelled goods and prosecuted 827 persons under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.

World Customs Organisation

Hong Kong is a member of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) (established as the Customs Co-operation Council). The WCO's objectives are to improve and rationalise international customs operations and facilitate international trade.