The 2026 World Cup kicked off in Hong Kong on June 12th local time, and before the event started, the Hong Kong Customs launched an enforcement operation code-named “Steel Gate” to crack down on cross-border smuggling and online sales of counterfeit and infringing goods related to the World Cup. In total, 34 cases were cracked with approximately 230,000 suspected counterfeit and infringing goods seized, estimated to be worth about 156 million Hong Kong dollars. Six men were arrested, with 29 cases involving cross-border smuggling of counterfeit goods.
The Senior Investigation Officer of the Copyright and Trademark Investigation Division of the Customs said that from May 26th to June 10th, customs focused on inspecting logistics centers and high-risk transshipment goods. The seized goods included about 30,000 counterfeit football jerseys, and around 200,000 counterfeit sports shoes, clothing, watches, handbags, and horns.
Of the 29 cases involving cross-border transshipment of counterfeit goods, customs arrested a 36-year-old cross-border truck driver at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge checkpoint for his alleged involvement in transshipping counterfeit goods. He has been granted bail pending investigation.
During online surveillance, customs found individuals selling suspected counterfeit World Cup jerseys through e-commerce platforms. Subsequently, they took action, solved five cases, seized about 40 counterfeit jerseys, and arrested five men aged between 17 and 30, all of whom were granted bail pending investigation.
The majority of the seized counterfeit jerseys this time were high-priced “player version” replicas. The retail price of authentic player version jerseys generally ranges from 1,100 to 1,300 Hong Kong dollars, more expensive than fan versions. It is believed that criminals take advantage of the World Cup craze to increase profits by selling high-priced fakes.
Customs pointed out that some counterfeit jerseys have a high degree of simulation, not only replicating the three-dimensional patterns of authentic fabrics, but also including brand tags and individual packaging. Some emblems and label positions even have transparent protective stickers or packaging paper, attempting to mimic the packaging of authentic products to deceive consumers.
However, customs emphasized that there are significant differences between counterfeit and genuine products, such as rough printing, uneven fonts, easily peeled prints, and poor cutting and workmanship. Citizens should be more vigilant when making purchases.
Customs further revealed that most of the counterfeit World Cup jerseys seized this time were products of participating teams, all intended for transshipment rather than local market supply. Close to 80% of them were originally destined for the Americas, believed to meet the substantial demand for World Cup merchandise from local fans.
Customs urged the logistics industry to heighten vigilance and report suspected infringing goods proactively. Citizens should patronize reputable merchants or official agents to avoid purchasing counterfeit products and incurring losses.
According to the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, importing, exporting, selling, or possessing counterfeit goods for sale is illegal. Upon conviction, individuals can face a maximum fine of 500,000 Hong Kong dollars and up to 5 years of imprisonment.