Concerns over the problem of counterfeit goods.

The recent crackdown by authorities in various provinces on the production and sale of counterfeit goods has caused consumer anxiety, insecurity, and a loss of confidence in the market. People hope that relevant agencies will review and strictly manage production and business activities, ensure product quality, and severely punish violators.

Market management forces inspect a fertilizer and pesticide sales establishment in Tuy An district. Photo: VO PH

Counterfeit goods are rampant.

It's safe to say that the issue of counterfeit goods has never caused such a public outcry as it does now. First and foremost, there's the case of the Police Investigation Agency of the Ministry of Public Security dismantling a large-scale counterfeit milk powder production, trading, and distribution ring in Hanoi. From the time of production until now, this ring has produced 573 different brands of counterfeit milk powder for people with diabetes, kidney failure, premature babies, and pregnant women, generating nearly 500 billion VND in revenue.

Subsequently, the Economic Police Department of Thanh Hoa Provincial Police dismantled a large-scale nationwide counterfeit pharmaceutical production and trading ring, arresting 14 individuals involved in the production and sale of counterfeit preventive and curative medicines. The total amount of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and raw materials seized by the provincial police was nearly 10 tons. From 2021 until their arrest, this ring had sold a very large quantity of counterfeit drugs, with estimated illicit profits of nearly 200 billion VND.

Recently, the Nghe An Provincial Police discovered and dismantled a ring producing bean sprouts soaked in chemicals. They issued indictments and arrest warrants for four individuals, owners of four bean sprout production facilities, for violating food safety regulations. Authorities seized nearly 2,000 containers of various types of bean sprouts, totaling approximately 25 tons, 25 liters of pure "candy water" chemical solution ( scientifically known as 6-Benzylaminopurine), 150 liters of a prepared solution used in bean sprout production, and other related evidence. Authorities determined that from 2024 until the time of the arrests, the suspects had produced and sold 3,500 tons of finished bean sprouts using this "candy water" solution.

These are serious counterfeit violations discovered recently, causing consumers to worry and feel indignant; they highlight the increasingly serious problem of counterfeit goods and food in society, significantly impacting the market and consumer psychology. “I regularly read newspapers and watch television, so I keep up-to-date on information about goods. When buying goods and food, I am always cautious, carefully checking labels, expiration dates, etc., to avoid buying counterfeit or substandard products. I personally think that there are still many risks of counterfeit and fake goods appearing on the market, but I am truly shocked by the information about these counterfeit cases in recent days,” said Ms. Le Thi Xuan Ha from Binh Kien commune (Tuy Hoa City).

Consumers are not only concerned about the health risks associated with counterfeit goods, but also about the management and supervision of production, business, and the market for these products. Mr. Hoang Van Y, residing in Ward 9 (Tuy Hoa City), expressed his worries: "Now, every time I need to shop, I worry about buying counterfeit goods. As a consumer myself, I am truly uneasy and confused because if the authorities don't intervene and violators aren't severely punished, many people will continue to suffer losses due to counterfeit products. My current concern is the management of production and business activities, the quality of goods, and measures to handle violations."

Counterfeit medicines and powdered milk related to violations were busted by authorities. Photo: Internet

Review and take strict action.

Following the crackdown on a fake milk powder production, trading, and distribution ring, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued a directive to relevant ministries, agencies, and provincial/city People's Committees, instructing them on handling the fake milk production and distribution case. Subsequently, the Ministry of Industry and Trade also issued an urgent directive to provincial/city People's Committees, the Domestic Market Management and Development Department, and local Departments of Industry and Trade regarding strengthening market supervision, inspection, and control, especially for milk products, medicines, and health supplements. The Ministry of Industry and Trade requested provincial/city People's Committees to closely monitor market developments, promptly compile and report to the Ministry on the fluctuations in the market for essential goods, especially those directly affecting people's health; and direct relevant agencies to urgently review and inspect the compliance with the law by businesses selling medicines and health supplements in their areas. Recall all counterfeit medicines and health supplements that have been discovered, and strictly handle violations in accordance with regulations.

In Phu Yen, the leaders of the Department of Industry and Trade promptly implemented directives from higher authorities to specialized departments and market management forces; directed coordination with relevant agencies to inspect and control related product groups and handle violations according to regulations if detected.

Regarding the issue of counterfeit goods, Ms. To Thi Hoa, Chairwoman of the Provincial Consumer Rights Protection Association, shared: "In recent years, the market for goods and food has developed increasingly, with a wide variety of products. Sales methods have also evolved with many techniques and tactics through the development of technology and e-commerce. Businesses and individuals use advertising and livestreaming to introduce products to consumers. Meanwhile, consumers find it difficult to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit goods through misleading advertising on media and social networks like Zalo, Facebook, and TikTok... Most people only buy goods based on trust, simply by examining the external appearance..."

According to market management authorities, based on the Decree of the Ministry of Industry and Trade regulating administrative penalties for violations in commercial activities, production, trading of counterfeit and prohibited goods, and consumer protection, in addition to the main penalties, supplementary penalties, and requirements for remediation, the maximum fine in the commercial sector is 100 million VND for individuals and 200 million VND for organizations; the maximum fine in the production, trading of counterfeit and prohibited goods, and consumer protection is 200 million VND for individuals and 400 million VND for organizations.

Therefore, when fraudulent practices occur, consumers inevitably feel insecure and lose trust in the quality of goods and food, even becoming hesitant to buy and use them. This highlights the need for high responsibility from suppliers and individual businesses in the production, trading, and exchange of goods; in particular, strong sanctions and measures are needed when violations are detected to create a deterrent effect. Simultaneously, close monitoring and management by relevant authorities, in accordance with the law, is necessary immediately after licensing the production and trading of goods and services, aiming for sustainable production and business practices and responsible consumption.

Ms. To Thi Hoa also shared: The Law on Consumer Rights Protection, passed by the National Assembly in 2023 (effective from July 1, 2024), also contains more specific regulations on the responsibilities of organizations and individuals doing business in goods and services towards consumers, as well as the rights and obligations of consumers; however, consumers still have a reluctance to file complaints or denunciations when their legitimate rights and interests are violated. Therefore, in the coming time, to receive advice and support on policies and laws protecting consumer rights, consumers can contact the Department of Industry and Trade, the Consumer Protection Association of the provinces for assistance; or contact directly the National Competition Commission, Ministry of Industry and Trade, through methods such as email, hotline, consultation and support call center…

Source: https://baophuyen.vn/kinh-te/202504/bat-an-truoc-van-nan-hang-gia-1c7637d/