Gov’t doubles effort to crack down on smuggling, counterfeit goods

The move aims to protect the rights and legitimate interests of the people and businesses and safeguard public health and safety, thus contributing to national security, social order, and safety and promoting fast and sustainable economic growth.

The action plan aims to ensure that all officials and public employees uphold professional ethics, responsibility, competence, and integrity. Strict punishments shall be imposed on anyone who cover up or facilitate violations, following the principle of "no concessions, no forbidden zones, no exceptions".

It targets full adoption of modern technology, digital tools, and databases across all enforcement agencies to strengthen market monitoring and control, while requiring all major e-commerce platforms, social networks, and media outlets make commitments not to trading or advertising counterfeit, substandard, or unclear-origin goods and those infringing intellectual property rights.

Additionally, all those involved in producing or trading consumer-health-related products must receive legal guidance on counterfeit goods, intellectual property, and relevant standards, and all consumers be educated about their rights and how to protect themselves.

Major tasks and solutions

The action plan rolls out eight tasks and solutions to combat smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeit goods, and intellectual property infringements as follows:

(i) Improve the institutional framework to ensure transparent, consistent, and effective regulations for preventing and combating smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods.

(ii) Strengthen the apparatus of enforcement bodies by clearly defining their functions, tasks, and responsibilities, ensuring synchronized and effective coordination.

 (iii) Mobilize the entire political system, along with citizens and businesses, to actively participate in the fight against smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit products. 

(iv) Build a competent, ethical, and corruption-free contingent of public officials, imposing strict discipline and severe penalties on anyone committing violations, based on the principle of "no concessions, no forbidden zones, no exceptions;" 

(v) Intensify inspection, supervision, and strict handling of violations related to licensing, conformity assessment, and quality control across sectors and localities. 

(vi) Enhance coordination among ministries, sectors, and local authorities to effectively prevent and combat cross-border smuggling and trade fraud. 

(vii) Expand the application of modern technologies, digital tools, and data systems to improve monitoring, tracing, and controlling goods in circulation.

(viii) Boost communication and international cooperation to raise public awareness of the harms of smuggling and counterfeit goods, while strengthening global partnerships to tackle these illegal activities.