Portable device smuggling rooted in aftermarket parts: Customs

The numerous reports of people caught attempting to smuggle large quantities of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops, among other portable devices, are rooted in the significant value difference between these products in Macau and the mainland, as well as the thriving aftermarket parts and repair market, the Customs Services (SA) told the Times.

Questioned by the Times on the issue, the SA noted, “Due to differences in regulations on imported electronic products between the mainland and Macau, particularly concerning second-hand electronic products, and the increasing demand for electronic products or components in the mainland market, lawbreakers take advantage of the price difference between the two places to profit.”

According to the SA’s further explanation, those involved in such illegal activities “purchase electronic products at low prices from Macau or other regions and then smuggle them into the mainland for resale. It is also possible that electronic products may be disassembled into parts and used to maintain other products.”

The SA also said it would continue exchanging intelligence with mainland Customs, strengthen customs inspections, and conduct patrols within the city. The bureau also said it aims to intercept more of these goods at their source, “to combat illegal trafficking activities with full force.”

After several operations held by the SA that resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of these products, the Zhuhai authorities also noted a major seizure.

This time, a cross-border truck driver is suspected of smuggling 4,579 mobile phones into Zhuhai via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB).

According to Gongbei Customs, in addition to the attempted smuggling of the devices, they were found to be counterfeit replicas of well-known brands, infringing on trademark rights.

The neighboring city’s authorities stated that the devices were found during a regular inspection at the cross-border outbound freight inspection station at the Zhuhai Port of the HZMB, but did not disclose where the truck was headed.

While passing through the inspection portal, authorities found some plastic bubble wrap packages hidden in the truck. Inside them were more than 4,500 counterfeit mobile phones of three different brands.

In one of the cases previously reported locally, an underage student was also involved. He was allegedly being used as a courier in exchange for monetary compensation.