Hanoi steps up crackdown on counterfeit goods

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi’s market surveillance authorities handled 174 violations over the one-month period from May 15 to June 15, imposing fines totaling more than VND2.9 billion (US$111,000) and referring two cases for criminal investigation.

These are the results of the “Say No to Counterfeit Goods, Commercial Fraud, and Smuggling” campaign, which was launched by the Hanoi People’s Committee on May 27, 2025, under Plan No. 146/KH-UBND.

Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, Tran Sy Thanh, chaired a task force to direct the campaign. The organization oversees and coordinates the efforts among agencies and local authorities to enforce the prime minister's Directive No. 65, which targets counterfeit goods and intellectual property rights violations nationwide.

This synchronized operation was rolled out across all districts and towns, focusing on inspections and penalties, and monitoring goods and tracing their origins using digital technologies.

The campaign also sought to raise public awareness of the dangers of consuming counterfeit goods and the legal consequences for those involved.

In the first five months of 2025, Hanoi reported 8,770 cases of smuggling, commercial fraud, and counterfeiting. Of those cases, 107 were prosecuted, involving 163 defendants. The total fines and seizures hit more than VND2.1 trillion ($80.7 million).

During this time, authorities exposed several cases of large-scale production and trade of counterfeit or untraceable goods.

On May 26, Hanoi authorities raided a production facility in La Phu Commune, Hoai Duc District, where counterfeit socks imitating well-known brands were manufactured.

In addition to traditional marketplaces, the city conducted inspections of e-commerce platforms and social media, which are considered fertile ground for counterfeit goods. Authorities identified and penalized many online shops and livestream sellers promoting fake luxury items.

For enhanced traceability and enforcement, the authorities use digital tools, such as QR codes, blockchain technology, and integrated data systems, to verify the origin of goods.

However, Hanoi officials stressed that achieving a sustainable impact requires consistent post-inspection monitoring, public education campaigns in schools, markets, and neighborhoods, and open reporting channels for residents to submit complaints.

By fighting against counterfeit goods, Hanoi's committed to building a cleaner, safer, and fairer market for all.

Nationwide, authorities busted 3,114 cases from 3,891 inspections in one month, issuing fines totaling VND63 billion ($2.5 million).