Vietnam authorities crack down on smuggling and trade fraud

Authorities in Vietnam have reported significant crackdowns on smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods during August 2026. In Hanoi, the Steering Committee 389 identified thousands of violations, including 189 cases of contraband and 204 cases of counterfeit goods. These violations frequently targeted health-related products such as food, milk, medicine, and cosmetics, often through e-commerce and digital platforms. Criminal proceedings were initiated in four cases, and total revenue collected for the state budget exceeded 1,780 billion VND.

Simultaneously, the General Department of Vietnam Customs reported a rise in criminal-related violations, particularly in maritime and air smuggling. From mid-December 2025 to mid-August 2026, customs authorities handled 15,273 cases with an estimated violation value of 15,371 billion VND. The department also intensified anti-drug operations, seizing over 785kg of various narcotics during the same period. Customs enforcement has also focused on post-clearance inspections regarding product origin, intellectual property, and tax valuation.