Updated: 2 November 2026
Hong Kong bookseller 候鳥香港有限公司 said on 2 November that Customs had seized more than 60 books from a shipment ordered from Taiwan.
In its public statement, the company said the shipment had been due on 13 October but arrived on 20 October. Instead of the expected two boxes, it received only about half a box of books.
The company said a seizure receipt obtained from its carrier cited section 13B(1) of Schedule 3 to the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the Hong Kong National Security Law. It said Customs subsequently confirmed taking the missing books and provided a brief written reply on 29 October, but had not explained the reasons for the seizure.
The relevant powers were introduced by amendments effective from 23 March 2026. According to the government’s explanatory paper and accompanying amendment text, Customs officers exercising functions at specified locations may seize articles reasonably suspected of having a seditious intention.
An owner or other eligible claimant may make written representations within 60 days of seizure. If Customs maintains that the articles should be forfeited after considering those representations, it may apply to a magistrate, who must hold a hearing. Where no representations are made within the prescribed period, the articles are forfeited under the rules.
The bookseller said it had submitted written inquiries and representations, disputed that the books had a seditious intention and requested their return. Its statement does not report a forfeiture order.
