Strengthening the fight against and prevention of counterfeit goods in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors.

The Drug Administration Department requests that relevant agencies implement measures to ensure that the management of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics is carried out effectively and promptly, protecting the health and rights of consumers.

On December 17th, the Drug Administration of Vietnam ( Ministry of Health ) announced that it had sent a document to the Departments of Health in provinces and cities regarding strengthening measures to combat and prevent smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors.

The Drug Administration Department requests that the Departments of Health of provinces and cities urgently coordinate with the Steering Committee 389 of the province/city and functional forces in the area (Market Management, Police, Customs, etc.) to implement a peak inspection campaign on compliance with legal regulations in the health sector for drug registration establishments, product declaration establishments, and pharmaceutical and cosmetic production and trading establishments from December 15, 2025 to March 31, 2026.

The inspection focuses on aspects including the legality of the production and business establishment (Business license and maintenance of business conditions), the legality of the products produced and sold (Drug registration certificate/cosmetic product declaration form acceptance number); product origin; product quality; product labeling, etc.

For pharmaceuticals, authorities focus on the Certificate of Eligibility for Pharmaceutical Business; maintenance of GPs; registration number/import license, origin, source, invoices, sales documents; expiration date; and prescription sales.

For cosmetics, the requirements include: Certificate of Eligibility for Cosmetic Production; product declaration and provision of Product Information File (PIF); conformity of declared product information with manufactured or imported products; product labeling (ingredients, features, uses); cosmetic advertising; origin, source, invoices, sales documents, and import documents (for imported products).

Relevant agencies need to strengthen the review and inspection of the business activities of medicines and cosmetics on e-commerce platforms (Shopee, Lazada, Tiki, TikTok Shop, etc.) and social networks (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc.).

In cases where businesses are found to be selling products that are not licensed for circulation (for medicines) or whose product declarations have not been accepted by the competent authorities (for cosmetics); selling products not permitted for e-commerce; selling products that have been subject to recall or destruction notices from competent authorities; or advertising products in violation of advertising regulations, prompt action should be taken and the matter reported to the Ministry of Industry and Trade; the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; the Ministry of Science and Technology; and the Ministry of Health for coordinated resolution.

The Ministry of Health demands resolute handling of organizations and individuals who violate the law, ensuring there are no forbidden areas and no exceptions. Cases involving suspected criminal activity (high value of goods, serious consequences, organized violations, repeat offenses, etc.) will be transferred to the investigative agency for criminal prosecution.

The Drug Administration Department requests that the Departments of Health in provinces and cities coordinate with relevant agencies in their localities to urgently implement measures to ensure that the management of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics is carried out effectively and promptly, protecting the health and rights of consumers.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/tang-cuong-dau-tranh-ngan-chan-hang-gia-trong-linh-vuc-duoc-va-my-pham-post1083515.vnp