Regulatory gaps in Vietnam exploited for e-com counterfeiting, fraud

Phong called for urgently completing the legal framework, strengthening enforcement and enhancing the accountability of all market participants.

According to Tran Duc Dong, deputy chief of the Office of the National Steering Committee 389 for anti-smuggling and anti-fraud, the rapid shift of illegal activities to the online space is a worrisome trend.

He said violations in production, trading, advertising, transactions, logistics and consumption are now largely conducted via e-commerce platforms, social networks and postal and delivery services.

Smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods have not only caused economic losses, but also posing long-term risks to consumer health, damaged the reputation of legitimate businesses and undermined social order and the investment climate, Dong was cited as saying by domestic media reports.

According to the e-commerce operation management department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency, more than 47,000 online listings linked to counterfeit goods, copycat products, intellectual property infringements or other suspected violations were taken down in 2025, compared to the records of 10,000 listings in previous years.

Besides, 17,000 online stores were locked or removed from e-commerce platforms.

The Law on E-commerce, which will come into effect on July 1, 2026, with broader scope, is expected to provide a more comprehensive legal framework for e-commerce development.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (DS)