Hanoi intensifies crackdown on smuggling and fake goods
There would be zero tolerance for the production and sale of counterfeit goods, especially items that pose direct risks to public health, such as food, medicine, and cosmetics.
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi is committed to intensifying its efforts to crack down on smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods.
Hanoi Market Surveillance authorities seize smuggled cosmetics and perfumes at 64 Hang Giay Street, Hanoi. Photo: Hoai Nam/The Hanoi Times
It was from the municipal People’s Committee after summarizing the conclusions of Vice Chairman Nguyen Manh Quyen, who also serves as Head of the Hanoi 389 Steering Committee on Combating Smuggling, Trade Fraud, and Counterfeit Goods, following the committee’s recent meeting.
Accordingly, relevant authorities are required to strictly combat smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods.
He emphasized the need to shift in mindset and approach, from reactive to proactive, flexible, and results-oriented governance.
“Leaders and agencies are expected to innovate in how they direct and manage anti-smuggling efforts to ensure practical impact on the ground,” noted Quyen.
In particular, Quyen requested that violations be identified and addressed at the grassroots level to prevent the emergence of complex hotspots.
“Technology and digital data tools should be deployed more effectively to monitor high-risk areas, goods, and activities,” he said.
Law enforcement and regulatory bodies are required to reinforce discipline and conduct rigorous inspections to ensure zero tolerance for the production and sale of counterfeit goods, especially items that pose direct risks to public health, such as food, medicine, and cosmetics.
Local leaders will be held accountable if serious or high-profile violations occur under their jurisdiction.
Quyen instructed communal and ward-level People's Committees to establish by the third quarter of 2025 their own 389 Steering Committees led by the local People’s Committee heads.
The Department of Industry and Trade, in coordination with the Department of Home Affairs, will be in charge of reorganizing market management teams to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with real-world demands.
Hanoi Market Surveillance seized 35,000 counterfeit clothing items worth over VND6 billion ($235,000) at Alley 2, Phan Ba Vanh Street, Hanoi.
At the same time, communication campaigns need to discourage illegal activities, while high-profile enforcement cases should be made public to serve as deterrents.
The Department of Industry and Trade will also compile and assess challenges related to policy mechanisms and inter-agency coordination, both within and across provinces to propose appropriate solutions.
Together with relevant agencies, it will submit a plan for the construction of temporary storage facilities for seized goods and evidence by the third quarter of 2025, while proposing upgrades to local testing and inspection centers.
According to the Hanoi 389 Steering Committee, smuggling and trade fraud remain complex.
In the first half of 2025, the city’s enforcement forces under the 389 Committee inspected and handled 9,582 cases, taking action on 8,542 violations. These efforts brought in over VND2.1 trillion (US$84 million) for the state budget. Authorities also initiated criminal proceedings in 115 cases, involving 170 individuals.
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During the “Action Month for Food Safety” in 2025, the Hanoi Market Surveillance Department, in coordination with the city police, uncovered several notable cases. These included the seizure of 14,196 whole frozen chickens and 560 kilograms of frozen chicken organs of unclear origin from Xuan Thang Import-Export and Food Trading Co., Ltd., and 7,543 items, including cosmetics and children's food products imported without invoices or documentation. In a major case, the Hanoi police dismantled a ring involved in the production and distribution of over 100 tons of counterfeit dietary supplements. As the second half of the year marks the peak season for production, circulation, and consumption of goods, smuggling and trade fraud are expected to intensify. The city’s leadership has affirmed that combating these illegal activities must be carried out on an ongoing, continuous basis, with no exceptions. |
