Strengthening Coordination Efforts in Combating Smuggling and Trade Fraud

​(News Portal – Dong Nai) - On the afternoon of December 25, Vice Chairwoman of the People's Committee, Nguyen Thi Hoang, chaired a meeting of Steering Committee 389 to review the 2024 anti-smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods efforts and to outline the tasks for 2025.

Vice Chairwoman of the People's Committee Nguyen Thi Hoang chaired the Steering Committee 389 meeting. 

In 2025, the primary legal violations detected by the Provincial Customs Department involve late declarations, incorrect tax code declarations, and tax rate misstatements. No cases of cross-border smuggling or illegal transportation of goods arose within the province; no new methods or tactics of violations were discovered. Dong Nai boasts over 89,200 production and business establishments, providing a diverse and abundant supply of goods to the market. Many enterprises and establishments have complied fully with state regulations regarding production and business activities. However, numerous establishments have been found in violation of regulations concerning business registration, business conditions, product quality declarations, conformity announcements, taxation, etc. Particularly notable are violations involving counterfeit branded goods, substandard products, goods of unclear origin, intellectual property infringements, and food safety violations. Although no hotspots for smuggling, trade fraud, or counterfeit goods have emerged within the province, violations still occur across various sectors and product categories.​

Currently, e-commerce is becoming a convenient business channel offering quick transactions and low costs; it is gradually dominating the market and is expected to grow significantly in the near future. Violations such as the sale of counterfeit goods, smuggled goods, and goods of unknown origin are prevalent. Most perpetrators exploit the internet, using social networks to disseminate misleading information and attract consumers with low prices. 

Members of the Provincial Steering Committee 389 reporting during the meeting. 

Regarding the results of combating smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods in 2024, provincial enforcement agencies conducted over 7,000 inspections, uncovering and apprehending more than 4,900 violations, a 22% increase compared to the same period last year. The violations primarily involved the sale, illegal transportation of smuggled goods, prohibited goods, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods. Among these, over 4,800 cases were processed, up more than 21% year-on-year, contributing over 1 trillion VND to the state budget, an increase of over 40% compared to the same period last year. Additionally, 51 cases were transferred to investigative agencies, resulting in criminal prosecutions, a rise of more than 21.4% compared to the previous year.​

Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Hoang assessed that in 2024, Steering Committee 389 achieved encouraging results. However, issues like counterfeit goods mimicking designs and trademarks persist, particularly counterfeit goods sold through e-commerce platforms and social networks. Efforts to combat counterfeiting through these channels remain limited, and addressing online fraud continues to pose significant challenges. For 2025, particularly during the Lunar New Year, the province must intensify inspection and warnings about counterfeit and fraudulent goods. Steering Committee 389 is advised to strengthen its operations and review coordination regulations among agencies and units in combating smuggling and trade fraud within the province. The committee should continue to develop an anti-smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods plan for 2025, with a focus on promoting awareness and communication about these efforts. District-level Steering Committees 389 need to prioritize monitoring and maintaining firm control over their respective jurisdictions. Units such as the police, market management, tax authorities, customs, and district-level Steering Committees 389, should enhance coordination and address existing inadequacies. The investigation of smuggling, prohibited goods, counterfeit goods, and other serious crimes of significant public concern must be expedited.