New measures will be introduced to tighten control on the production of optical discs and to expand co-operation with Mainland customs authorities to crack down on cross-boundary copyright infringement activity.

The Customs & Excise Department plans to roll out a new scheme this year, requiring optical disc manufacturers to submit production records on discs with copyrighted work and authorisation documents.

Assistant Commissioner of Customs & Excise William Chow said today the scheme aims to help the department reinforce its control over the production of optical discs, ensuring none will be produced without legitimate authorisation.

"This will lead to more effective customs enforcement against illegal production of optical discs, and serve as a strong deterrent against cross-boundary infringement activities," he said.

Disc records to be submitted

Under the planned scheme, licensed optical factories will be required to submit regularly to the department's Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau production records of discs, and samples of discs manufactured.

These factories will also have to send the orders for disc production and relevant authorisation documents to Customs by fax once the documents are available.

The department has sent out questionnaires to the industry to gather opinions.

While the department continues monitoring local production of optical discs, it is also exploring ways to better co-operate with Mainland customs to strengthen verification of Mainland copyright.