Vietnam customs dept. reports surge in counterfeit goods, smuggling cases

In the domestic market, the production and trade of counterfeit, substandard, and untraceable goods continued openly in many places, with large-scale growth on e-commerce platforms, particularly involving food, pharmaceuticals, and supplements.

Smuggling and trade fraud were concentrated along sea and land routes.

Between June 15 and July 14, maritime violations accounted for the largest share, with 899 out of 1,790 detected cases, or more than 50 percent, mostly through major seaports such as Van Gia, Dinh Vu, Nam Hai Dinh Vu, Tan Vu, VIP Green, Cat Lai, ICD Phuoc Long, Hiep Phuoc, Vict, and Cai Mep.

Illegal trading and transport of diesel oil, fine coal, cosmetics, and food were recorded in some northeastern and central coastal areas.

Notably, authorities detected cases involving exports such as garlic, electric soldering irons, and folding chairs suspected of falsifying Vietnamese origin for shipment to the U.S.

On land, 669 cases, accounting for 37 percent of the total, were detected, mainly along the Vietnam-China and Vietnam-Cambodia borders.

Offenders exploited preferential policies for border residents to smuggle goods by mixing prohibited or high-value items such as foreign currency, cigarettes, and mobile phones into personal belongings.

Illegal trading and transport of fireworks and refined sugar also persisted in central provinces and along the Vietnam-Laos border.

From December 15, 2024 to July 14, 2025, the Department of Vietnam Customs handled 10,351 violations involving goods worth an estimated VND15.095 trillion (US$577 million), contributing over VND537 billion ($21 million) to the state budget.

Authorities launched 10 criminal cases and transferred 68 others for prosecution.