Traceability technology: The 'passport' that helps Vietnamese products reach further

(Chinhphu.vn) - On October 9, the Ministry of Industry and Trade coordinated with ministries, branches, associations and enterprises to organize the Forum "Identification and traceability technology - Enhancing Vietnamese goods". The event aims to affirm Vietnam's determination in building a transparent and modern ecosystem, creating a foundation for Vietnamese goods to improve their competitiveness and deeply integrate into the global market.

Speakers sharing at the Forum - Photo: Organizing Committee

For many years, the Vietnamese market has always faced the problem of goods of unknown origin, poor quality goods, and counterfeit goods. These products have infiltrated from traditional markets, convenience stores to supermarkets and even e-commerce platforms, causing great damage to legitimate businesses and directly affecting the interests of consumers.

In this situation, the Government has continuously issued important documents to strengthen the fight against smuggling and trade fraud. The Prime Minister has signed and issued Directive No. 13/2025 and Official Dispatch No. 72/2025, requesting ministries, branches and localities to synchronously deploy measures to prevent and handle violations. Implementing this directive, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued Decision No. 1398/2025 on a plan to monitor, inspect and handle smuggling and trade fraud.

In the first 6 months of 2025 alone, authorities nationwide have inspected and handled more than 50,000 cases, including nearly 2,000 cases of trading and transporting prohibited goods, nearly 7,000 cases of trade fraud and tax fraud, and more than 1,600 cases of goods of unknown origin. Many cases have been prosecuted, creating a strong impact in deterring and preventing violations.

Technology: The Key to Market Transparency

The forum focused on major topics such as: Traceability and market management; Prevention of origin fraud; Standardization of traceability systems in e-commerce; Data security and new technology; Experience from businesses.

According to experts, in the context of integration, traceability is not only a management tool, but also a "brand passport" for Vietnamese products to enter the world . The iTrace247 system applying blockchain technology has proven effective in supporting the traceability of the entire agricultural product process such as Thanh Ha lychee, Son La and Bac Ninh vegetables and fruits successfully exported to Japan and Singapore.

In terms of exports, many businesses have considered origin transparency as a survival strategy. By building a closed production chain and standardizing traceability records, businesses not only avoid the risk of being subject to defense tariffs but also strengthen trust in demanding markets. In fact, Vietnam's export turnover has grown strongly, from 114.5 billion USD in 2012 to more than 405.5 billion USD in 2024; in just the first 8 months of 2025, it reached 305.96 billion USD, an increase of 14.8% over the same period last year. To maintain this growth momentum, origin transparency is a prerequisite.

The speakers at the Forum also affirmed that transparency in the origin of goods is not only a state management requirement, but also a driving force for sustainable business development and consumer confidence.

At the Forum, Mr. Tran Huu Linh, Director of the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development, said that the Ministry of Industry and Trade is focusing on perfecting the legal framework for the identification and traceability of goods, including the development of a Decree on criteria for origin of domestically circulated goods. This document, when issued, will be an important basis for authorities to distinguish genuine goods from fake goods, Vietnamese goods from imported goods, and at the same time, support the fight against trade fraud and protect consumers.

At the same time, the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development is coordinating with relevant units to deploy advanced technology solutions such as blockchain, IoT, QR codes, GS1 barcodes... to ensure accurate and complete traceability.

"We aim to build a centralized database that allows management agencies, businesses and consumers to access, look up and monitor product information. When data is transparent, market confidence will be strengthened and consumers will be 'smart supervisors' of the market itself," Mr. Linh shared.

In addition to technical factors, Mr. Linh also emphasized the factors of communication and social awareness. He said that transparency of origin can only be truly effective when there is active participation of the whole community. Consumers need to proactively look up and verify product information before buying. Enterprises need to strictly comply with regulations on origin and transparently disclose production data. And the press and media need to continue to promote the role of spreading, guiding and supervising society, contributing to building a culture of honest business.

Mr. Tran Huu Linh affirmed: "Traceability is not only a technical tool for market management, but also the key to open the door to sustainable development for domestic trade. When goods are clearly identified and traceable transparently, genuine businesses will be protected, consumers' rights will be guaranteed, and trust in Vietnamese goods will be firmly consolidated."

Anh Tho

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/cong-nghe-truy-xuat-nguon-goc-tam-ho-chieu-giup-hang-viet-vuon-xa-102251009170957422.htm