Smuggling thrives despite prosecutions

More than 11,000 incidents of fake and smuggled goods as well as trade fraud were detected in the capital during the first six months of this year.

The completed prosecution of about 5,500 offenses resulted in fines totalling VND531 billion (US$28 million).

But the capital’s Anti-Smuggling Steering Committee 127, which issued the figures, warns that smugglers have become more deceptive and skilful despite the success.

For example, many new smuggling routes have emerged. Goods once smuggled from northern border town of Mong Cai to Ha Noi along National Highway 5 or N1B now arrive via the N10.

Many smugglers have created an illegal network to supply retailers in cities and provinces and Market Watch vehicles have even been used to carry smuggled or fake goods.

The forecasting of the market to anticipate potential smuggling had not been properly developed, complained Ha Noi Market Watch Office deputy director Vuong Tri Dung.

“And there is no thorough research in response to the increasingly complex and skilful smuggling and fraud,” he said.

Overlap and the ambiguous assignment of responsibilities among government agencies had also hindered efforts to deal with smuggled and fake goods.

While the simplification of customs procedures in the next six months would benefit trading enterprises, smugglers would also take advantage of the new system if there was no effective anti-smuggling measurers in place, he warned.

Ha Noi Trade Department director Luu Tien Long said relevant agencies would intensify their battle against smuggled and fake products in Ha Noi.

“All key routes as well as storage, wholesale markets and trading places will be carefully monitored,” he said.

Garments, food, beverages tobacco and electronics would be the focus of the monitoring together with violations of food safety, intellectual property theft and fake labels.

Special investigations would also be launched for such occasions as the lunar new year.

Tags: fake goods in Vietnam, Vietnam goods