In a move to bolster consumer protection during the busy Mainland National Day Golden Week holiday, the Customs Department has announced the launch of a new 24-hour crime reporting hotline.
The easy-to-remember number, 182 80 80, will allow members of the public to report a range of customs-related crimes, including smuggling, drug trafficking, the sale of counterfeit goods, tax evasion on cigarettes and liquor, money laundering, and the operation of unlicensed currency exchange or money transfer services.
“This new hotline is a critical tool to empower citizens and step up our efforts to combat cross-border criminal activity during the peak travel season,” said Li Wei, a spokesperson for China Customs. “By making it simpler for the public to report suspected crimes, we can act more quickly to protect consumers and uphold the law.”
In addition to the new hotline, Customs will release a series of promotional videos across social media platforms to advise tourists to be vigilant when making purchases and to immediately contact authorities if they encounter any unfair trade practices.
The current Customs crime reporting channels, including email, online forms, and traditional mail, will remain available, the agency said.
National Day Golden Week, which runs from October 1-7, is one of the busiest travel periods in China, with millions flocking to tourist hotspots both domestically and abroad. The surge in visitors presents opportunities for unscrupulous actors to prey on unsuspecting consumers.
“This new initiative from Customs is a welcome step to safeguard the rights of both Chinese and foreign travelers during this important holiday,” said consumer advocate Zhang Ling. “By lowering the barriers to reporting crimes, they are empowering the public to be the eyes and ears in the fight against illicit activities.”
The 24-hour hotline will be operational starting tomorrow, October 2nd
