The Prime Minister has ordered a heightened crackdown on smuggling, trade fraud, and the production and circulation of counterfeit and unlicensed goods, as well as intellectual property and origin-related violations.
Speaking at a meeting with central agencies in Hanoi on May 14, 2025, to review the situation of smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeit goods, and violations of intellectual property and product origin in the first months of 2025 and discuss tasks for the future, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh ordered a special task force to be established to intensify efforts from May 15 to June 15, with a review to be conducted after that.
Prime Minister orders a special task force to crack down on smuggling and counterfeiting. Photo: Nhat Bac
The task force will be led by Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son, and similar task forces will be established at the local level, headed by the provincial People’s Committee Chairpersons, with representatives from relevant sectors.
The Prime Minister assessed that smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeiting, and violations of intellectual property and product origin remain complex issues, with a wide scope, numerous culprits, and intricate characteristics. These issues significantly impact socio-economic development, public health, and the country’s reputation and credibility, causing anxiety and concern among the people.
He emphasized that the situation is likely to become even more complex and instructed all involved to strive to curb, prevent, and ultimately put an end to these illicit activities.
Regarding specific tasks, the Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Home Affairs to review the functions and tasks of ministries and sectors, ensuring no legal loopholes and maintaining management responsibilities during organizational restructuring and administrative boundary adjustments.
The Ministry of Public Security was tasked with directing functional forces and local police to establish cases and strictly handle violators. They were also instructed to coordinate with investigative agencies to expedite the investigation, prosecution, and trial of cases and to publicize the results on mass media to deter potential offenders.
The Prime Minister commended the efforts of the public security force, acknowledging their close monitoring of the situation and proactive operational deployment. He emphasized the heavy responsibilities that lie ahead for the ministry in this regard.
The Government leader also emphasized the need for the Ministry of Industry and Trade to direct the Market Management force to take charge and coordinate with agencies in inspecting organizations and individuals’ compliance with laws in producing and trading goods and providing commercial services.
Specialized inspection agencies of ministries, sectors, and localities were assigned the task of granting permits and managing specialized fields and areas, particularly for essential goods such as medicines, milk, food, and rice.
The Ministry of Health was urged to take swift action, especially in controlling and preventing fake and smuggled medicines without clear origins from entering Vietnam. They were instructed to play a leading role and resolutely fight to end the circulation of fake medicines, prioritizing the protection of people’s health above all else.
Regarding the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Prime Minister requested that they study and supplement sanctions for those who abuse their influence to advertise falsely, especially on online platforms. He also instructed them to coordinate with relevant agencies to prevent false advertising, such as claims of “cure-all” medicines.
Local People’s Committees were urged to direct their market management forces to strictly handle violations in their areas and strengthen controls to prevent smuggling and the circulation of counterfeit and unlicensed goods across borders.
“Cracking Down on Counterfeits: A National Priority to Stamp Out Illicit Trade and Protect Consumers.”
On the morning of May 14, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a meeting with ministries, departments, and central agencies to evaluate the efforts in combating smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods in the first months of 2025 and to discuss the direction and tasks for the coming period.
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