From famous brands to everyday goods: Customs steps up crackdown on counterfeit and IP-infringing products
Vietnam’s Customs authority has ordered a nationwide intensification of inspections and enforcement actions targeting counterfeit goods and intellectual property (IP) violations, as part of a broader government crackdown this month.
Urgent directive to tighten control
Following the Prime Minister’s Official Dispatch No. 38/CD-TTg dated May 5, the General Department of Customs on May 6 issued an urgent directive requiring all regional customs units to step up inspections, supervision, and proactive detection of violations.
The move aims to create a strong shift in combating IP infringement, improve the business environment, and enhance Vietnam’s international credibility.
Focus on high-risk goods and trade routes
Customs units have been instructed to review key routes and high-risk areas, intensify checks on suspicious shipments, and strictly follow legal procedures in handling violations.
Particular attention will be given to consumer goods and export-processing items prone to counterfeiting, including household appliances, detergents, herbal tea, paper products, frozen coconut milk, and agricultural inputs.
Transit goods and shipments from high-risk routes, newly established companies, or those with unusual business patterns will also face stricter scrutiny.
Stronger enforcement and coordination
Authorities will enhance risk management, conduct physical inspections where necessary, and strengthen coordination between import and export checkpoints to monitor the movement of goods more closely.
Customs will also boost information sharing with other enforcement agencies and rights holders to improve the effectiveness of IP protection.
Target: at least 20% more violations handled
The Customs authority has set a clear target of increasing the number of detected and handled violations by at least 20% compared to May 2025.
The Anti-Smuggling Investigation Unit will directly handle major and complex cases, while strengthening intelligence gathering to identify new smuggling tactics and IP infringement methods.
Toward long-term enforcement capacity
In addition to enforcement, customs officials will receive further training to identify counterfeit goods and IP violations more effectively.
Authorities will also update databases of protected trademarks and guide businesses on compliance, including procedures for suspending customs clearance for suspected counterfeit goods.
The campaign reflects Vietnam’s determination to build a transparent and fair trade environment while strengthening intellectual property protection in global integration.
