69. Examination of packages, etc.

Any goods, package, box, chest or other article which is being or has recently been imported, or is being exported, and in regard to which a reasonable suspicion exists that it is or that it contains goods liable to be seized under section 56 or 67 may be —

An authorised officer may require the person in charge of any package, box, chest or other article referred to in subsection (1) to open the package, box, chest or article (as the case may be) for examination and inspection.

If the person in charge of the package, box, chest or other article referred to in subsection (1) refuses, or fails after being given reasonable time and opportunity, to comply with the requirement under subsection (2), a senior authorised officer, or an authorised officer acting in accordance with an order of a senior authorised officer, may forcibly open the package, box, chest or article (as the case may be) to facilitate the examination and inspection thereof.

Any person, other than an authorised officer, who removes, opens, breaks or tampers with any mark, lock, seal or other means of securing any goods, package, box, chest or other article referred to in subsection (1)(c) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $6,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.

In this section, “infringement verification” means any process (whether or not involving an interested party of the geographical indication concerned) to determine if any article is or contains goods liable to be seized under section 56(4) or 67.