Latest news with #CustomsLaw
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
China customs seize over 40,000 fake Labubu toys
The counterfeit products uncovered in Guangdong province included blind-box toys and plush figures. - Photo: China Customs BEIJING: Chinese customs authorities have recently intercepted over 40,000 counterfeit Labubu, a top seller in Pop Mart products, which has seen growing global demand. The Gongbei Customs in Guangdong province uncovered 20,599 suspected counterfeit products on June 12, including blind-box toys and plush figures, during three separate inspections of outbound transshipment trucks at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Customs checkpoint, according to the General Administration of Customs on Wednesday (June 18). Many of the items closely resembled characters from Pop Mart's popular Labubu series, but most lacked proper trademark labels. Following confirmation from the intellectual property rights holder, the seized goods were deemed to have unauthorised use of the company's trademark and copyrighted character designs, violating its legal protections. The holder has formally applied for customs protection, and the cases are currently under further legal process, it said. This is not the only case, considering the growing demand of this 'cute-ugly' toy across the world. In June, some domestic customs reported multiple cases of intercepting the counterfeit Labubu toys. In Guangdong province, 20,599 suspected counterfeit products were uncovered during three separate inspection. - Photo: WeChat/China Customs In Zhejiang's Ningbo, the Beilun Customs officers confiscated 20,240 plush toys and plastic cups that were found to infringe on the Labubu Spring Elf series. In another case, officers at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport seized 5,961 toys falsely declared as 'dinosaur toy' or 'plush toys', all bearing Pop Mart's trademark without authorisation. Customs authorities have reminded exporters and their agents that, under China's Customs Law, all goods must be truthfully declared, including their intellectual property status. Documentation proving legal use of trademarks or copyrighted designs must be submitted when required. Infringing goods are subject to confiscation and fines. In severe cases, criminal charges may be pursued in accordance with the law, the authorities added. - China Daily/ANN
Straits Times
a day ago
- Straits Times
Chinese customs seize over 40,000 fake Labubu toys
The counterfeit products uncovered in Guangdong province included blind-box toys and plush figures. PHOTO: WECHAT/CHINA CUSTOMS In Guangdong province, 20,599 suspected counterfeit products were uncovered during three separate inspections. PHOTO: WECHAT/CHINA CUSTOMS BEIJING - Chinese customs authorities have recently intercepted over 40,000 counterfeit Labubu, a top seller in Pop Mart products, which has seen growing global demand. The Gongbei Customs in Guangdong province uncovered 20,599 suspected counterfeit products on June 12, including blind-box toys and plush figures, during three separate inspections of outbound transshipment trucks at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Customs checkpoint, according to the General Administration of Customs on J une 18 . Many of the items closely resembled characters from Pop Mart's popular Labubu series, but most lacked proper trademark labels. Following confirmation from the intellectual property rights holder, the seized goods were deemed to have unauthorised use of the company's trademark and copyrighted character designs, violating its legal protections. The holder has formally applied for customs protection, and the cases are currently under further legal process, it said. This is not the only case, considering the growing demand of this 'cute-ugly' toy across the world. In June, some domestic customs reported multiple cases of intercepting the counterfeit Labubu toys. In Zhejiang's Ningbo, the Beilun Customs officers confiscated 20,240 plush toys and plastic cups that were found to infringe on the Labubu Spring Elf series. In another case, officers at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport seized 5,961 toys falsely declared as 'dinosaur toy' or 'plush toys', all bearing Pop Mart's trademark without authorisation. Customs authorities have reminded exporters and their agents that, under China's Customs Law, all goods must be truthfully declared, including their intellectual property status. Documentation proving legal use of trademarks or copyrighted designs must be submitted when required. Infringing goods are subject to confiscation and fines. In severe cases, criminal charges may be pursued in accordance with the law, the authorities added. CHINA DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Gulf Today
09-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Dubai Chambers empowered 600 business members in legal navigation
Dubai Chambers has successfully concluded a series of legal and compliance-focused events in May, designed to empower businesses with the knowledge needed to thrive in the UAE's dynamic regulatory environment. The events, comprising three in-person workshops and one webinar, addressed critical topics including UAE Commercial Companies Law, corporate compliance, UAE and GCC Customs Law, and Compliance Challenges on VAT & Excise Tax. The sessions attracted significant interest, with a total of 598 participants from across the private sector. Participants gained valuable insights and ideas on ways to reduce risks, adopt good corporate governance practices, ensure compliance with data protection regulations, customs tariff structures, Harmonised System (HS) code classification, the treatment of goods within free zones, customs valuation methodologies, customs audit procedures, and compliance strategies to overcome cross-border trade challenges within the GCC countries. Earlier Dubai Chambers has welcomed a delegation of 60 companies from Madagascar to explore investment opportunities and potential business partnerships during the Dubai–Madagascar Business Forum, which was held today at its headquarters. The event reaffirmed the significance of strengthening economic ties between Dubai and Madagascar and focused on advancing cooperation across high-potential trade and investment sectors. The forum was held in the presence of Andry Rajoelina, President of the Republic of Madagascar, who led a high-level delegation featuring ministers, senior government officials, and business leaders from Malagasy enterprises. The delegation was received by Eng. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, and Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, together with representatives from Dubai's private sector. In his keynote address, President Rajoelina praised Dubai's remarkable global economic status and reaffirmed his country's interest in deepening bilateral relations across several priority sectors. During his welcome address at the forum, Eng. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, stated: 'The steady growth in economic ties between Dubai and Madagascar reflects our shared commitment to strengthening bilateral partnerships and exploring new opportunities for impactful cooperation that support sustainable economic growth. Meanwhile in the first week of June, Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, announced that direct Thai investments in the Emirate of Dubai have reached approximately $626 million over the past five years. He expressed optimism that these figures will continue to grow, supported by ongoing efforts to strengthen economic relations between Dubai and Thailand, including the recent opening of a new Dubai International Chamber representative office in the Thai capital, Bangkok. In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) during the 'Doing Business with Thailand' forum held on the 29th May, part of Dubai Chambers' trade mission to the Philippines and Thailand, Lootah stated that the new office is part of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce's 'New Horizons' trade mission to Southeast Asia. He described it as a strategic move to enhance the UAE business community's presence in the Thai market and to expand trade and investment opportunities with this dynamic economy. Lootah said that Thailand is among Dubai's leading trading partners in the ASEAN region. 'Through this on-ground presence, we aim to deepen ties with the private sector and strengthen collaboration between the two sides,' he said. He also noted a significant increase in non-oil trade between Dubai and Thailand in recent years, which grew by 23 per cent to $6.5 billion in 2024, up from approximately $5.3 billion in 2023. This reflects the growing momentum in bilateral economic ties and underlines the strategic importance of the Thai market within Dubai Chambers' global expansion plans. The Bangkok office launch coincided with the trade mission and included 20 Emirati companies, which were introduced to Thailand's investment environment and market opportunities, with the aim of boosting commercial ties and supporting the international expansion plans of UAE businesses. Lootah emphasised that the Bangkok office is the latest addition to Dubai Chambers' expanding network of international offices, which aligns with the chamber's strategy to open 50 representative offices worldwide by 2030. This effort is intended to support Dubai's goals of broadening its foreign trade and cementing its position as a global hub for commerce and investment. He also reaffirmed Dubai Chambers' commitment to enabling local companies to access global markets and forge strategic partnerships that align with Dubai's economic vision and support the sustainability and growth of its key sectors.
Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Straits Times
Chinese customs authorities crack down on toy doll smuggling
In the past three months, Chinese customs authorities have reported multiple cases of undeclared Pop Mart toys. PHOTO: AFP JINAN - The surge in cross-border resales of Pop Mart toys, with some rare editions fetching jaw-dropping prices, has blurred the line between proxy shopping and smuggling, as several Chinese customs authorities have reported undeclared toys being intercepted in quantities exceeding the allowed amount. In the past three months, Chinese customs authorities have reported multiple cases of intercepting undeclared Pop Mart toys, including popular Labubu and Molly figurines, carried by passengers who are seeking to profit from resales. In one instance, a total of 318 toys were seized from three travelers at Changsha Huanghua International Airport in Hunan province. In another case, a passenger at Hefei Xinqiao International Airport in Anhui province was caught with 94 toys, all intended for resale, according to the General Administration of Customs of China. 'The number of toys they brought with them exceeded the prescribed quantity for personal use, so they could face punishment according to related laws,' said Mr Xu Hao, a lawyer at Beijing Jingsh Law Firm. China's Customs Law stipulates that transporting undeclared goods in excess of prescribed limits for profit-seeking purposes constitutes smuggling. If the evaded tax amount exceeds 50,000 yuan ($8,901), it will be considered a smuggling crime that could carry a punishment of up to life in prison. Overseas Chinese students should be fully aware of the legal risks associated with similar resale activities, including but not limited to tax violations and counterfeit goods distribution, which may lead to severe consequences, Mr Xu added. Pop Mart, a Beijing-based toy brand, has taken the global market by storm, with its limited-edition figurines becoming hot commodities both at home and abroad. The cases reported by Chinese customs authorities highlight the booming secondary market. The allure lies in the substantial profit margins. A customs declaration form submitted by one passenger showed that a Pop Mart Molly figurine in the passenger's possession was priced at 6,790 Thai baht (S$268). In China's secondary market, the same toy sells for an average of S$410 — leaving a sizable profit margin even after accounting for the 13 per cent value-added tax on such items. The 'hidden edition' of Labubu 3.0, originally priced at 99 yuan, now commands a price of more than 2,000 yuan. On a major Chinese secondhand goods platform, the hidden edition of Labubu 3.0 was listed at 2,699 yuan, with over 2,300 users marking it as 'wanted' and nearly 120,000 views recorded. 'Pop Mart is a Chinese brand, but overseas toy editions often feature exclusive collaborations not available in China, making them even more desirable,' said Mr Sun Yuzhuoran, a buyer of Pop Mart products. Pop Mart's global expansion has further fueled the craze. With flagship stores in cities like Paris, London, New York and Bangkok, the brand reported 475 per cent year-on-year growth in its overseas revenue in the first quarter — five times that of its domestic market. The brand's popularity reflects consumption trends among young buyers. 'The affordable blind-box toys offer emotional value. It is about the thrill of spending just a few dozen yuan for some surprise,' said Mr Li Ruihan, a university student in Jinan, Shandong province. 'But now, some editions sell for hundreds of yuan,' said Mr Li. CHINA DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Zawya
10-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: JCD processes over 950,000 customs declarations in 2024 — Director-general
AMMAN: Faced with a 'record-breaking' volume of customs activity, Jordan Customs Department (JCD) is undergoing reforms aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and investor confidence, JCD Director-General Maj. Gen. Ahmad Akalik said on Wednesday. Speaking at a government communications forum titled "Achievements of the Jordan Customs Department", Akalik said that the department processed more than 950,000 customs declarations in 2024, figures he described as a "compelling reason" to adopt new working methods in line with the best global practices and digital transformation. "These changes are not cosmetic. They reflect His Majesty King Abdullah's vision to modernise public services and empower the private sector," he said as reported by the Jordan News Agency, Petra. Akalik revealed that 91 per cent of tariff lines are fully or partially exempted from customs duties, mainly raw materials that are essential for local production, noting that only 9 per cent of items are subject to tariffs ranging from 0 to 25 per cent, and national exports are completely exempted. "These exemptions aim at reducing production costs, increasing competitiveness and creating a more attractive environment for local and foreign investment," he said, stressing that the remaining tariffs are structured to protect domestic industries. He also highlighted that the JCD continues to regularly review its policies to align them with national development goals, highlighting that the reforms are part of a broader economic modernisation drive aimed at positioning Jordan as a 'productive, export-oriented' economy. Addressing speculation about the reopening of the Ramtha customs centre, Akalik pointed out that any decision would have to be coordinated with Syrian authorities and that the issue was not currently under consideration. He also noted that the old Amman Customs Centre has not been completely vacated, with some departments, such as foreign vehicle registration and customs licensing, still operating on site. Highlighting the department's efforts to banking on infrastructure upgrades and technological innovation to cement Jordan's position as a regional logistics hub, he said that the new Amman Customs Centre in Madouneh, which covers 950 dunums, can accommodate inspections of up to 192 trucks at a time and features 'state-of-the-art' AI-driven systems. Akalik added that the changes will also benefit Jordan's development and industrial zones, whose products will now be treated as national goods, simplifying market access and reducing logistical bottlenecks. Among the most significant reforms are amendments to the Customs Law, which will shift from a pre-clearance inspection model to post-clearance audits, the director-general said. This shift will allow compliant traders to obtain immediate release of goods while preserving the authority of the department to verify documentation at a later date, a move Akalik described as a "game changer" for trade facilitation. The department is also using artificial intelligence to improve risk management, analyse data and replace manual inspections with remote monitoring systems, he said. According to Akalik, this move is crucial to improving transparency and closing the door to fraud and manipulation. Noting that the JCD has already received international recognition for its efforts, he said that the department won the King Abdullah II Excellence Award for e-services, and the World Customs Organisation has adopted its model as a global reference. Despite the progress, Akalik acknowledged that one of the biggest challenges is changing the culture around customs operations within the department and among stakeholders. He noted that to address this, the department plans to launch public awareness campaigns to explain the benefits of the new systems. Supporting the department's vision, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Government Communications Zaid Nawaisah said that the JCD has emerged as a national leader in streamlining trade, stimulating the economy and promoting a fair business environment. "The ministry has a critical role to play in highlighting these successes and building public confidence in government institutions," Nawaisah added. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
