Vietnam customs seize 450 fake Rolex watches smuggled from China

The seizure took place at the Tra Linh international border gate during an inspection of a container declared to contain over 24 metric tons of consumer goods.

According to the Cao Bang Customs Department, the shipment also included cosmetics, bras, car lights, power banks, lighters, and other items.

However, hidden among the declared goods, officers uncovered a stash of 450 Rolex-branded watches that had not been listed in the customs declaration form.

Upon inspection, officials found signs that the watches violated intellectual property protection rules under the Rolex trademark registered in Vietnam.

The importer failed to present any documentation proving the authenticity or origin of the watches.

Customs officers collected samples for verification, and an expert evaluation later confirmed that the products were counterfeit.

A representative of the Rolex trademark owner in Vietnam stated that had the watches reached the market, they could have sold for approximately VND45 billion ($1.72 million), based on the market value of authentic Rolex timepieces.

The entire batch of infringing goods has been temporarily seized, and legal proceedings are underway.

Between June 1 and 16, customs officers at the same border gate intercepted 5,700 additional counterfeit items, including handbags, clothing, and shoes bearing well-known labels such as Nike, Adidas, Louis Vuitton, Celine, New Balance, Lacoste, and Tommy Hilfiger.