PM orders special task force, launches major crackdown on smuggling & counterfeits

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed the establishment of a special task force and the launch of a high-intensity campaign to combat, crack down on, prevent, and repel smuggling, trade fraud, the production and circulation of fake and counterfeit goods, goods of unknown origin, copyright infringement, intellectual property violations, and violations related to goods origin, from May 15 to June 15.

The PM chaired a meeting on May 14 with ministries, sectors, and central agencies to assess the work against smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeit goods, intellectual property violations, and goods origin issues in the early months of 2025.

It is reported that in the early months of 2025, units and localities intensified their fight against smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods, arresting and handling over 34,000 violation cases. These included over 8,200 cases of trading and transporting prohibited or smuggled goods; over 25,100 cases of trade fraud and tax evasion; and over 1,100 cases involving counterfeit goods and intellectual property violations.

PM Chinh stated that despite significant efforts, the situation remains complicated, widespread, involves many actors, and is complex in nature. This significantly impacts socio-economic development, public health, the nation's prestige and brand, erodes public trust, and causes anxiety among the people.

He outlined the objective to combat, prevent, repel, and ultimately put an end to smuggling, trade fraud, the production and circulation of fake and counterfeit goods, goods of unknown origin, copyright infringement, intellectual property violations, and violations related to goods origin.

This aims to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the people and businesses, improve the material and spiritual lives of the people, contribute to the country's rapid and sustainable development, promote growth, consolidate macroeconomic stability, protect security, safety, and public well-being, enhance national competitiveness, the country's prestige and brand, and build an independent, self-reliant economy integrated actively, proactively, deeply, substantively, and effectively into the international community.

Regarding the approach, the Prime Minister emphasized that this is a crucial task for the entire political system. Party committees and authorities at all levels must engage, strengthening state management across all sectors and mobilizing public participation. It is a long-term task that must be carried out regularly, comprehensively, and unceasingly.

The PM stressed that protecting the health, legitimate rights, and interests of the people and consumers must be paramount. Therefore, breakthrough changes are needed in preventing and combating smuggling, trade fraud, the production and circulation of fake and counterfeit goods, goods of unknown origin, copyright infringement, intellectual property violations, and goods origin issues.