HCMC – Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh said there would be no tolerance or exceptions in tackling smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods, underscoring the Government’s tough stance on market violations.
He said on June 20 that the Government had issued five official telegrams, one directive, and numerous guidance documents to this effect.
Relevant authorities have launched a nationwide campaign to combat smuggling, counterfeiting, and intellectual property rights violations.
Police have busted multiple large-scale operations involved in producing and distributing counterfeit milk, food, medicine, and health supplements, as well as goods with falsified origin and major intellectual property violations in the first five months of 2025.
More than 40,000 cases of smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeiting were handled, resulting in fines totaling VND6.58 trillion. Authorities launched criminal proceedings in 1,737 cases involving 3,043 suspects.
From May 15 to June 15, more than 10,400 violations were uncovered nationwide. Authorities seized over VND4 trillion worth of goods, slapped fines of more than VND1.2 trillion, and launched 204 criminal cases involving 378 defendants.
However, the permanent deputy prime minister noted that smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeit goods, and intellectual property violations remain widespread and complex in the country.
These offenses involve many actors and continue to impact business operations, public safety, consumer trust, and the country’s sustainable development, especially through e-commerce, postal delivery, illegal invoice trading, and tax evasion.
In the coming period, the Government will continue to intensify efforts to combat smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods.
“There will be zero tolerance and no exceptions in the crackdown on counterfeit-related crimes,” he said, adding that relevant laws will be reviewed and revised promptly to address shortcomings in inspection, supervision, and post-clearance control.
Officials and public employees found to be corrupt, complicit, or colluding with violators will face strict disciplinary action.
