Fifty-six containers carrying alleged illegal clothing imports were detained at the China Shopping Centre, south of Johannesburg, the South African Revenue Service said.

Revenue service spokesman Anton Fisher said 12 people were arrested for alleged immigration offences, reported the Johannesburg Times.

Officials seized files from clearing agents who may have been involved in the irregular importation of clothing and textiles, said the report. They also removed equipment suspected of being used to make counterfeit CDs and DVDs as well as false ID books and passports.

The equipment and the goods were valued at about ZAR10 million (US$1.5 million).

"One of the biggest threats remains the under-invoicing of import clothing and textile consignments, resulting in low revenue flows," Mr Fisher said.