'Tightening' trade control: Early warning for Vietnamese businesses in 2 major markets

Vietnamese enterprises need to ensure transparency in the supply chain and certificates of origin (CO); apply digital traceability systems (blockchain, QR traceability) in sensitive product groups such as: Textiles, agricultural products, electronic components - Illustrative photo

According to the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden, in response to the impact of the trade conflict between the United States and the European Union (EU), the Swedish Customs Authority has just announced a series of measures to strengthen the supervision of imported goods, especially shipments with signs of false declaration of origin to avoid high taxes imposed by the EU on US goods.

Specifically, many businesses were found to be transiting goods through third countries or using suppliers who falsely declared the origin to avoid taxes, especially in high-value items such as: Auto parts, cosmetics, electronic equipment and fashion . These actions not only distort the market but also threaten the fairness and effectiveness of the EU tariff system.

Trade tensions are causing European consumers to pay higher prices, while fully compliant domestic businesses are being unfairly squeezed by fraudulent imports.

In response, Sweden has begun random checks, expanded declaration reconciliation, and launched intensive customs audits of suspect importers. Violations can result in criminal prosecution or revocation of business licenses.

The Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden said that although Vietnam is not a subject in the US-EU trade conflict, this is a clear warning about the importance of fully complying with EU rules of origin and customs standards, especially when Vietnam is enjoying many incentives from the EVFTA Agreement.

Accordingly, Vietnamese enterprises need to ensure transparency in the supply chain and certificates of origin (CO); apply digital traceability systems (blockchain, QR traceability) in sensitive product groups such as: Textiles, agricultural products, electronic components.

The Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden also recommends that businesses work directly with reputable importers in Sweden, avoiding unclear intermediaries. Regularly update regulations from the EU and Sweden, through the trade office, industry associations and the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF).

India increases trade defense investigation on Vietnamese imports

India is one of Vietnam's 10 largest trading partners, however this market continuously initiates trade defense investigations into our country's export goods.

According to data from the Department of Trade Remedies, Ministry of Industry and Trade , as of April 2025, India has initiated a total of 39 trade defense investigations against Vietnamese goods, including 27 anti-dumping cases, 6 anti-subsidy cases and 6 self-defense cases. The investigated products range from steel, copper pipes, plastic fibers, solar glass to MDF wood...

Furthermore, although India has a sampling policy for its surveys, in practice it often uses a large-scale survey. This means that all relevant businesses are required to respond to a questionnaire, and each business is charged its own tax based on the data it provides.

Not only that, Indian investigation agencies tend to impose and abuse trade defense measures, and have conclusions that are unconvincing/inconsistent with WTO regulations and international practices.

To cope with this situation and maintain stable exports to the Indian market, the Trade Defense Department recommends that businesses need to learn about regulations, procedures, and market investigation practices; deploy a clear and transparent management and traceability system for raw materials; and maintain an accounting system according to international standards.

In particular, it is necessary to promote the enhancement of product value, increase the use of raw materials produced domestically or from sources that are not subject to trade defense measures by importing countries...

Vu Phong

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/siet-kiem-soat-thuong-mai-canh-bao-som-cho-doanh-nghiep-viet-tai-2-thi-truong-lon-10225051416224852.htm