On May 5, 2025, the provincial steering committee for trade fraud prevention, known as Ban Chỉ đạo 389, announced a significant step in combating trade fraud related to the origin of goods. This announcement followed the issuance of Công văn số 38/VPTT-TH by the national steering committee on April 10, 2025, which called for enhanced measures against counterfeit goods claiming Vietnamese origin.
The new directive, outlined in Công văn số 45/CV-BCĐ389, emphasizes the need for rigorous monitoring and enforcement actions by various agencies. The Chi cục Hải quan khu vực IV has been tasked with increasing its patrols and controls to prevent the transportation of goods that falsely claim to originate from Vietnam. This move aims to protect the integrity of Vietnamese exports and ensure compliance with international trade regulations.
In addition to customs enforcement, the Sở Công Thương (Department of Industry and Trade) has been instructed to review existing regulations concerning the origin of goods. They are expected to propose amendments to legal documents to strengthen the framework governing product origin verification. This initiative is critical as it addresses ongoing concerns about illegal imports and the production of goods for export that do not comply with origin requirements.
The Quản lý thị trường (Market Management) force has also been directed to intensify market surveillance. Their role includes identifying and addressing violations related to the sale of goods, particularly those involving illegally imported raw materials and products of unclear origin. This proactive approach aims to maintain fair competition in the domestic market while safeguarding consumers.
Furthermore, the Công an tỉnh (Provincial Police) will enhance its oversight of import-export enterprises to ensure adherence to origin regulations. This includes monitoring compliance for goods that utilize imported materials, thus ensuring that all exports meet the legal standards set forth by the government.
To raise awareness about trade fraud, Báo Hà Nam has been tasked with increasing public education on the legal ramifications of such activities. This initiative seeks to foster a culture of compliance among businesses and inform them about the importance of adhering to regulations regarding the origin of goods.
All members of the provincial steering committee are encouraged to proactively implement measures against trade fraud related to product origin. This includes disseminating information about the regulations governing product origin to businesses under their jurisdiction. Local government units are also expected to review the operations of import-export enterprises within their areas, ensuring close cooperation with relevant authorities to exchange and verify information as needed.
In a related development, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (BCT) is actively seeking opinions on a draft circular aimed at amending and supplementing articles of existing regulations regarding the origin of goods and the certification process for Certificates of Origin (C/O). This draft circular, which revises Thông tư số 05/2018/TT-BCT and Thông tư số 38/2018/TT-BCT, reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing product traceability and compliance with international trade standards.
The proposed changes include amendments to Điều 11 of Thông tư số 05/2018/TT-BCT, which outlines the responsibilities of the Cục Xuất nhập khẩu (Import-Export Department) in issuing various types of C/O, including forms A, B, and non-preferential C/Os. The draft also specifies that the Cục Xuất nhập khẩu will handle REX code registrations, which are now to be conducted online through the European Commission’s website and the Ministry’s eCoSys system.
Traders are required to declare and upload documentation related to GSP C/O and export shipments within three working days of issuance on the eCoSys platform. This requirement is designed to streamline the certification process and ensure timely compliance with international regulations.
Importantly, on April 21, 2025, the Minister of Industry and Trade issued Quyết định số 1103/QĐ-BCT, reclaiming the authority to issue C/O and CNM, as well as to manage REX code registrations from the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). This shift, effective May 5, 2025, aims to enhance the efficiency of the certification process and eliminate potential delays that businesses may face during the transition.
At a conference held on April 22, bà Trịnh Thị Thu Hiền, Deputy Director of the Import-Export Department, stressed the importance of ensuring that there are no disruptions to business operations during this transition period. She emphasized the Ministry's commitment to facilitating a smooth transfer of authority and maintaining open lines of communication with affected businesses.
The steps taken by Ban Chỉ đạo 389 and the Ministry of Industry and Trade illustrate a robust response to the challenges posed by trade fraud and non-compliance with origin regulations. By enhancing monitoring, enforcing legal standards, and improving public awareness, these initiatives aim to protect the reputation of Vietnamese goods on the global market and ensure fair trade practices.
As Vietnam continues to integrate into the global economy, maintaining the integrity of product origins will be crucial for building trust with international partners and consumers. The recent measures reflect a proactive approach to safeguarding this integrity, ultimately benefiting both businesses and consumers in the long run.
