Smuggling and counterfeiting are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

This was the statement made by Mr. Dam Manh Hieu, Deputy Head of the Customs Sub-Department of Region II, at the seminar "Unlocking Purchasing Power, Stimulating Consumer Demand" organized by Thanh Nien Newspaper on the morning of May 22nd.

Customs procedures temporarily suspended for goods infringing intellectual property rights.

According to Mr. Dam Manh Hieu, the situation regarding smuggling, trade fraud, illegal transportation of goods, and counterfeit goods is becoming increasingly complex, with more sophisticated methods, especially in the context of the growing trend of e-commerce. Businesses may take advantage of lenient policies to commit violations. Among these, the issue of counterfeit goods and goods infringing intellectual property rights stands out, affecting the lives of citizens as well as Vietnam's reputation in the international market.

On April 30th, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) released its 2026 Special 301 Report on the protection and enforcement of intellectual property (IP) rights in U.S. trading partner countries.

In this report, Vietnam is identified as a "Priority Foreign Country" (PFC), the highest alert level under the Special 301 mechanism.

According to Mr. Dam Manh Hieu, the situation regarding smuggling, trade fraud, illegal transportation of goods, and counterfeit goods is becoming increasingly complex, with more sophisticated methods being employed.

PHOTO: INDEPENDENT

According to Mr. Dam Manh Hieu, this move is an important warning signal for businesses exporting to the United States, given the increasingly stringent requirements for transparency, compliance, and supply chain data.

In response to this situation, the Prime Minister also issued Official Dispatch No. 38 dated May 5, 2026, requesting ministries, sectors, and localities to implement comprehensive and decisive measures to combat, prevent, and handle acts of intellectual property infringement nationwide.

Accordingly, from May 7th to May 30th, functional forces will launch a peak period of inspection and handling of violations with the spirit of no forbidden areas, no exceptions. The goal is to create a significant change in law enforcement, contributing to building a transparent and healthy business environment and enhancing the nation's reputation in international integration.

"During this peak period, the Ministry of Finance is tasked with directing customs forces to closely coordinate with relevant agencies to strengthen inspections of import and export goods crossing the border. They are to proactively suspend customs procedures for goods when there is clear evidence that the goods are counterfeit in terms of intellectual property; ensuring that the number of cases of suspended customs procedures and subsequent processing increases by at least 20% compared to May 2025," said Mr. Dam Manh Hieu.

There have been some typical cases during the peak period.

PHOTO: INDEPENDENT

Authorities have detected and dealt with numerous cases of counterfeiting famous brands.

During the recent peak period, there were typical cases such as: The Customs Control Team of the Customs Sub-department of Region II promptly detected more than 9,300 counterfeit components of famous brands protected in Vietnam in a shipment imported from China through Cat Lai port.

On May 11, 2026, the National Institute of Intellectual Property under the Ministry of Science and Technology announced the results of the inspection of an imported shipment commissioned by the Customs Control Team, determining that over 9,300 products were counterfeit goods infringing on trademarks protected in Vietnam. The shipment was declared for import through Cat Lai Port by TM Import-Export Trading Company Limited, located in Phu Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.

According to the customs declaration, the importing company imported 71,200 units of products including bearings and roller bearing housings of various types bearing the CUXB brand, originating from China, and declared as 100% new. During the course of the operation, the Customs Control Team, in coordination with the Saigon Port Customs Area 1, conducted a physical inspection of the shipment and discovered several suspicious signs related to trademark counterfeiting.

The inspection revealed 9,352 products, including ball bearings, roller bearings, bearing housings, and bearing covers bearing the Koyo, NTN, NSK, and Asahi trademarks, showing signs of trademark infringement. The Customs Control Team is currently determining the value of the seized goods and completing the necessary paperwork for processing according to the law.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/buon-lau-hang-gia-ngay-cang-tinh-vi-185260522151618866.htm