Anti-counterfeiting in e-commerce: Tightening control, protecting consumers

(Chinhphu.vn) - In the context of strong development of e-commerce, along with growth opportunities are significant challenges in market management, especially the problem of trading in counterfeit and poor quality goods and infringement of intellectual property rights.

In the context of strong development of e-commerce, along with growth opportunities are significant challenges in market management, especially the problem of trading in counterfeit goods, poor quality goods, and infringement of intellectual property rights - Illustrative photo

According to the report, from December 15, 2024 to June 14, 2025, the Market Management force inspected 11,568 cases, handled 9,919 violations, and collected VND 141 billion for the state budget out of a total of VND 266 billion for administrative violations, including VND 121 billion in fines and VND 145 billion in value of infringing goods. 76 cases with signs of criminality have been transferred to the investigation agency. The e-commerce sector alone continues to be a hot spot with 161 violations detected, fined nearly VND 3 billion, and the value of infringing goods over VND 1 billion.

In reality, violators are increasingly using sophisticated tricks, taking advantage of digital platforms, fast delivery services and changing trade policies to avoid inspection by authorities. Notably, many counterfeited products have a direct impact on consumers' health such as functional foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, powdered milk, cooking oil, etc.

Recently, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien signed and issued Decision No. 1825/QD-BCT in 2025 to implement the Prime Minister's direction in Directive No. 13/CT-TTg and Official Dispatch No. 82/CD-TTg on strengthening the prevention and control of smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods. This Decision aims to innovate thinking, awareness and improve the effectiveness of task implementation, requiring strong participation of authorities at all levels, functional agencies, business community and people.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade clearly identifies that every day is a peak in market inspection and control work. There should be no gaps in state management; inter-sectoral and surprise inspections should be intensified in key areas and sectors, especially in the e-commerce environment.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh, Deputy Director of the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development (Ministry of Industry and Trade), said that currently, violators are using increasingly sophisticated tricks to deceive the authorities.

Therefore, in the coming time, the unit will step up market inspection and control, not only in the e-commerce environment but also directly at the points of sale of counterfeit goods and goods of unknown origin. At the same time, it is recommended that ministries and branches, according to their assigned functions and tasks, and the People's Committees of provinces and cities direct local functional forces to closely coordinate and strictly handle violations according to the law.

Mr. Binh added that regarding the application of IT in detecting counterfeit goods, the Department is implementing a project to build a product traceability platform, initially applying it to a number of products under the management of the Ministry of Industry and Trade such as industrial products such as textiles, footwear, electronics, etc.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh affirmed that right after the peak month, the Department will continue to vigorously implement inspection activities on items related to food safety, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and functional foods. Coordination with functional forces will be maintained regularly, to strictly control and strictly handle violations.

Regarding policy, the Department has proposed to amend Decree 98/2020/ND-CP, which increases the level of administrative penalties for trading in counterfeit and banned goods, especially violations of food and pharmaceutical safety. The penalty level is expected to double compared to the current level, and at the same time consider criminal prosecution for serious violations that affect public health.

Regarding the fight against counterfeit goods and intellectual property infringements on e-commerce, Mr. Tran Huu Linh, Director of the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development, emphasized that in order to effectively prevent violations, in recent years, the market management force nationwide has been vigorously implementing the Project on Counterfeit Goods and Consumer Protection on e-commerce until 2025 (Project 319). Along with that, the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development has invited platforms such as Shopee and Lazada to sign a commitment to coordinate in controlling the quality of goods.

In the coming time, the force will continue to promote information exchange with industry associations and businesses to improve the effectiveness of inspection and handling of counterfeit goods and goods violating intellectual property rights, especially in the e-commerce environment. In addition to market inspection and control, the force will also apply technology and use specialized software that is being deployed to scan and detect violations from sellers.

In particular, Mr. Tran Huu Linh emphasized that the highest goal of the fight against counterfeit goods in cyberspace is to build a healthy business environment, create motivation for enterprises to produce and trade, and protect the rights and interests of consumers. Fighting counterfeit goods in e-commerce continues to be a priority task in the coming time.

Anh Tho

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/chong-hang-gia-tren-thuong-mai-dien-tu-siet-chat-kiem-soat-bao-ve-nguoi-tieu-dung-102250708155057677.htm