Crackdown on Counterfeits and Digital Piracy: Vietnam Toughens Its Stance
Establishing intensified measures against counterfeit goods and digital theft in Vietnam.
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In the heat of trade negotiations with the US, Vietnam is ratcheting up its efforts to combat counterfeits and digital piracy. Goods ranging from luxury labels like Prada and Gucci to tech giants such as Google and Samsung, and toys from Mattel and Lego are primed for tighter border scrutiny. This revelation stems from a document from Vietnam's customs department, viewed by Reuters.
The US has long accused Vietnam of harboring such illicit activities and has warned of hefty tariffs. Items like Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson's consumer goods also find themselves included in this intensified inspection. Interestingly, the recent clampdown concentrates on imported fakes, disregarding locally produced counterfeits, which are equally concerning to the administration of US President Donald Trump.
Adhering to its imposed duties, Vietnam's ministry of culture has been actively addressing the use of counterfeit software, as revealed in a warning letter sent to a local company on April 14. The missive followed a complaint from the Business Software Alliance (BSA), whose members include Microsoft, Oracle, and Adobe. Insiders report similar letters have been dispatched to numerous companies since early April.
As an export-oriented industrial hub, Vietnam's prosperity hinges on maintaining harmonious trade relations with the US, its largest market. Reigning tariffs of 46% loom ominously over exports, but a temporary tariff reprieve persists until July. The US has earmarked improved intellectual property protection, including the fight against fakes and digital piracy, for their trade discussion agenda.
Despite the strengthened monitoring, counterfeit luxury goods remains readily available at Ho Chi Minh City's shopping center last week. This center, a notorious market for counterfeits as per the US trade representative's January list, is undeterred. "These aren't genuine and are made in China," a vendor selling Prada wallets and bags mentioned, revealing the persisting undercurrent of fraudulent transactions.
Forces to be reckoned with in the global trade landscape, Vietnam is equipping itself with advanced technologies to bolster its border security and combat criminal activities. The implementation of biometric technology, bilateral patrols with neighboring countries, and the development of a digital identity platform like VNeID, are expected to facilitate tracking and verification processes, which could indirectly aid in the fight against counterfeits and digital piracy.
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Source: ntv.de, RTS
Additional Insights:
- Vietnam is in the process of implementing biometric technology at all airports, seaports, and border gates by Q2 2025, using chip-based ID card readers and facial recognition devices to bolster border security[2].
- Vietnam and neighboring countries are carrying out bilateral border patrols to strengthen border management and prevent criminal activities, including smuggling and human trafficking[3][4].
- Vietnam is developing its digital identity platform, VNeID, which will be utilized for exit and entry procedures aimed at enhancing digital data exchange and security[2].
- The Commission, which oversees policy and legislation, has also been consulted on the draft regulation regarding Vietnam's crackdown on counterfeits and digital piracy.
- The retail and fashion-and-beauty industry, with brands like Prada and Gucci, are closely watching Vietnam's intensified inspection of imported counterfeit goods.
- In the realm of technology, Vietnam's advancement includes the use of biometric technology and the development of VNeID, aiming to combat criminal activities like counterfeits and digital piracy.
- The politics involved in the fight against counterfeits and digital piracy have also extended to policy discussions, with the US earmarking improved intellectual property protection for their trade discussion agenda.
- General news outlets, such as Reuters, have reported on the clampdown on counterfeits, with specific focus on Vietnam's increased border scrutiny of luxury labels, tech giants, and consumer goods brands.
