Over 3,100 smuggling and counterfeit cases detected in nationwide campaign

From May 15 to June 15, market surveillance teams conducted 3,891 inspections, uncovering 3,114 violations and imposing fines totaling over VND 63 billion (approximately US$2.5 million). The campaign was carried out under a directive from the Prime Minister, focusing on smuggling, counterfeiting, illicit goods, and trade fraud.

Authorities ramped up unannounced inspections, particularly in high-risk areas such as wholesale markets, supermarkets, shopping malls, food production and processing facilities, and warehouses. A key focus was the circulation of food products with unclear or dubious origins.

Beyond food safety, the campaign also addressed broader issues of trade fraud and smuggling across various sectors. Efforts were intensified to prevent the illegal trafficking of narcotics, unlicensed transport of gold and foreign currency, and goods falsely labeled as "Made in Viet Nam."

Violations involving counterfeit goods and intellectual property (IP) infringement accounted for the largest share, with 1,580 cases—about 52 percent of the total. Smuggling followed with 648 cases, or just over 21 percent.

Several major violations were detected and promptly addressed. On May 20, more than 500 counterfeit luxury-brand items were confiscated in downtown Da Nang. Just over a week later, thousands of fake branded products were seized at Saigon Square shopping center in Ho Chi Minh City. On June 9, authorities uncovered 3,500 smuggled cosmetic items of unknown origin during inspections at four stores in Ha Noi.

Medicines and dietary supplements were also a key focus. Since 2021, nearly 1,000 violations have been handled in this category, including 783 cases related to milk and dairy-based supplements.

Looking ahead, the Department said it will continue to guide market management forces across the country in strengthening surveillance using digital technologies and interconnected data systems. It also aims to improve legal frameworks to better align with the dynamics of modern commerce, especially in the fast-growing e-commerce sector. Targeted inspection campaigns will continue, alongside communication efforts and voluntary compliance agreements with digital platform businesses to foster greater adherence to the law./.