EBMA Dealing with Imports from Hong Kong and Macao

PARIS, France (Dec 20) - After filing a complaint at the European anti-fraud office OLAF that has lead to the opening of a Court case against a Spanish bike importer; the European Bicycle Manufacturers' Association (EBMA) is setting its next step in preventing fraud with the import of bikes from China. EBMA's Chairman Brian Montgomery is now pushing the European Commission hard to do something on the import of complete bicycles out of Hong King and Macao. Montgomery said to Bike Europe: "As everybody knows, there's not a single bike factory in these very small enclaves. However, import figures from these countries are growing every month. So, something has to be done, and I reckon the Commission will." About the Spanish bike importer accused of import fraud (see elsewhere on the newspages of this website) Montgomery said: "I don't know how long it will take for a conviction. What I can say however, is that the Spanish authorities are treating this case very serious. And because it seems to be an open and shut case, I estimate that it will take between six to twelve months for a verdict. Like any indication on the name of the Spanish importer; I am also not at liberty to reveal anything on other fraud cases that are being looked into by OLAF. Hopefully the news on the Spanish importer will act as a warning to others that are involved in illegal practices."