Hanoi, northern localities forge joint front against smuggling and counterfeit goods

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi and 10 northern provinces and cities have formed a coordination alliance to strengthen enforcement against smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods amid increasingly complex, cross-border violations.

The agreement was signed on February 2 in Hanoi by anti-smuggling task forces from major cities of Hanoi and Haiphong and provinces of Bac Ninh, Cao Bang, Hung Yen, Lao Cai, Lang Son, Ninh Binh, Phu Tho, Quang Ninh and Thai Nguyen.

The pact aims to close coordination gaps as illegal trading activities become more organized and operate across multiple localities.

Nguyen Kieu Oanh, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade, said smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeiting continue to evolve rapidly, often crossing provincial and national borders.

She said these violations strain enforcement capacity, harm consumers, distort competition and undermine social order.

Oanh said the period ahead of Tet (Lunar New Year) poses heightened risks as rising demand creates favorable conditions for illegal trade.

“Coordination has improved, but information sharing and joint enforcement remain limited, especially after market surveillance forces shifted to local management,” she said.

Under the agreement, participating task forces will coordinate closely on collecting and sharing information on market conditions, supply-demand trends, price movements and business activities.

The framework also covers intelligence on smuggling rings, counterfeit production, key routes, priority goods and high-risk areas.

It sets procedures for transferring information and suspected violations between localities to support verification, inspections, evidence gathering and enforcement.

Local authorities will conduct joint inspections of inter-provincial goods flows, focusing on border and adjacent areas that often serve as smuggling hotspots.

The agreement places strong emphasis on combating violations on e-commerce platforms, social media and other digital channels, where illegal trade has expanded quickly.

Authorities will jointly monitor online transactions, identify new tactics and respond swiftly to digital violations.

For border provinces, the mechanism marks a major step forward.

Dinh Huu Ngoc, Standing Vice Chairman of the Lang Son Provincial People’s Committee, said the province’s border location brings economic opportunities alongside higher risks of smuggling and fraud.

He said closer coordination with Hanoi and neighboring provinces will improve the handling of complex, multi-locality cases.

Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, said the agreement clarifies responsibilities and builds a unified, efficient coordination framework.

He said the focus is on seamless information flows, professional support, proactive prevention, early detection and strict enforcement.

Participating task forces will review results annually, draw lessons and adjust the framework to keep it aligned with real conditions.

The long-term goal is to create a healthier market environment, protect legitimate businesses and consumers, uphold legal order and support sustainable growth.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son called the agreement a firm and timely move to curb smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods, particularly those affecting food safety and public health.

He said stronger coordination will protect consumers’ rights while creating fair conditions for legitimate businesses to expand and operate sustainably.