Strengthening the prevention of counterfeit goods and trade fraud

In each meeting with voters of the National Assembly and People's Council, in addition to issues of infrastructure, social security or economic development, voters always express concerns about the situation of counterfeit goods, fake goods, trade fraud, which pose a direct threat to people's health, economy and trust. Voters want more synchronous and drastic solutions to protect the legitimate rights of consumers; create a transparent and fair business environment for honest business people.

Many stores say "no" to counterfeit goods, protecting the reputation and interests of the people.

There is still the worry of fake, poor quality goods.

During the meetings, voters reflected on the situation of fake, counterfeit, and poor-quality goods still being everywhere, from traditional markets to small retail stores; from household necessities, agricultural supplies in the fields to motorbike parts, cosmetics, functional foods, etc.

In fact, many people, because of their desire for cheap prices, have unintentionally helped fake goods to exist. That also means that the "war" against fake goods does not only depend on inspection and handling measures but also requires changes in consumer awareness and behavior.

In agricultural production, the concern about fake fertilizers and pesticides still exists. Farmers do not know how to distinguish fake and poor quality products, they only put their trust in agricultural supply stores, so when unfortunate events happen, they often fall into a "fait accompli" situation, and the loss falls on their shoulders.

Mr. Tran Minh Tron (residing in Tan Tru commune) shared: “We farmers are very upset when we encounter fake and counterfeit goods. It is very difficult to distinguish between real and fake fertilizers, and the farmers still bear the ultimate loss. I hope the State will have stronger sanctions to protect farmers’ rights.”

Such indignation is not without foundation as each crop season is associated with sweat, effort and borrowed money. Just one bag of fake fertilizer or bottle of poor quality pesticide can damage the whole field, pushing people into debt. Statistics in Tay Ninh show that in the past year, the authorities have discovered dozens of cases related to fake fertilizers and pesticides, causing estimated losses of up to billions of dong.

The damage caused by fake agricultural materials and counterfeit brands is not only for farmers but also for legitimate businesses. In this context, many businesses have raised awareness of protecting their brands and reputation, putting the interests of the people first.

Mr. Ty Hoa Ngoc - owner of an agricultural supplies store in Binh Hiep commune, shared: "I always import fertilizers and pesticides from large, reputable companies to ensure crop quality for farmers. Our store is committed to not selling fake goods."

Not only in agriculture, but in any field, transparency and reputation are the “shield” to protect consumers. With cosmetics and pharmaceuticals – products closely related to health – that “shield” becomes even more necessary.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc - owner of Khanh Ngoc cosmetics store, Kien Tuong ward, said: "My store only imports quality goods, with full invoices and documents, so customers can rest assured. I recommend that the Market Management force (QLTT) needs to strictly check the business of genuine branded goods to protect the rights of consumers."

In reality, for a business to retain customers, saying “no” to fake goods is a must. In addition, they also need protection from a strict management mechanism to avoid the situation of “real and fake mixed” causing double damage, because sometimes, the business itself also buys “fake” goods.

During the meetings, voters reflected on the situation of fake, counterfeit, and poor quality goods still being everywhere, from traditional markets to small retail stores; from household necessities, agricultural supplies in the fields to motorbike parts, cosmetics, functional foods, etc.

Synchronize solutions to protect a healthy market

Market Management forces inspect an agricultural supplies store.

Faced with people's concerns and frustrations, authorities have been taking action more and more vigorously. Market Management Teams in Tay Ninh affirmed that the current key task is to focus on essential goods: fertilizers, pesticides, food, gasoline, etc.

Captain of Market Management Team No. 6 Nguyen Vinh Sang informed: “The situation of trading in counterfeit and poor quality goods in the area is still complicated at times, especially in traditional markets and small retail stores. In the coming time, we will increase inspections, strictly handle violations; and promote propaganda to protect consumer rights.”

The biggest difficulty now is that the market management force is still thin, while the area is large, and the tricks of fraudulent traders are increasingly sophisticated. Deputy Captain in charge of Market Management Team No. 2 Vo Van Duyet said: "In the last months of the year, we focus on checking essential goods and handling them strictly to ensure the rights of consumers and fairness for legitimate businesses."

In this "war of genuine and fake goods", even large corporations with global brands are suffering losses. Mr. Nguyen Truong An - Pham and Lien Danh Law Company Limited, representative of Honda and Yamaha brands, shared: "We have coordinated with the authorities to handle many cases, but trademark infringement still exists and is widespread. We recommend that consumers and businesses should only buy, sell and maintain at authorized dealers to avoid risks."

Head of the Market Management Department Nguyen Minh affirmed: "In the coming time, we will continue to strengthen inspection and handling of smuggled goods, counterfeit goods, and goods violating intellectual property rights, especially in the field of e-commerce; organize training and instruct traders to distinguish between genuine and fake goods, deploy electronic anti-counterfeit stamps, and retrieve information from QR codes so that people can easily identify safe products."

In the context of the booming e-commerce, young people are the most dynamic customer group, but also the most vulnerable. Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, Secretary of the Long An Ward Youth Union Nguyen Thai Nhan said: "Young people often shop online, but fake and poor quality goods appear everywhere, easily mixed with branded and reputable products, affecting consumers. We hope that the authorities will have stricter management measures; support the introduction of reputable Tay Ninh products to official e-commerce platforms so that people can easily access them."

Preventing and combating counterfeit goods and trade fraud is not only the task of the authorities but also the responsibility of the whole society - from management agencies, businesses to consumers. Only then will counterfeit goods, poor quality goods, and counterfeit brands no longer have a place to live./.

Preventing and combating counterfeit goods and commercial fraud is not only the task of the authorities but also the common responsibility of the whole society - from management agencies, businesses to consumers. Only then will counterfeit goods, poor quality goods, and counterfeit brands no longer have a "place to live".

Thanh Tung

Source: https://baolongan.vn/day-manh-cong-tac-phong-chong-hang-gian-hang-gia-gian-lan-thuong-mai-a203856.html