Improving the institutional framework to prevent online trade fraud

With the aim of connecting businesses with relevant authorities in the fight against counterfeit and imitation goods and promoting healthier e-commerce activities, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) directed Business Forum Magazine to organize the Forum “Online Trade Fraud: Challenges and Solutions for Prevention” on the afternoon of December 30.

In his opening speech, Mr. Hoang Quang Phong stated that amid the strong momentum of digital transformation, e-commerce and online business activities have become an important driver of economic growth, expanding opportunities for both businesses and consumers.

E-commerce continued to develop three times faster than traditional commerce worldwide in 2024, accounting for almost 20% of all retail sales of products and services, according to a report by the Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy under the Ministry of Industry and Trade. In terms of e-commerce and the digital economy, Southeast Asia continues to expand at the quickest rate in the globe.

Domestically, Vietnam’s e-commerce sector has continued to maintain impressive growth of 18–25% per year. In the first nine months of 2025 alone, domestic e-commerce revenue reached VND 305.9 trillion, up 34.35% compared to the same period in 2024. This breakthrough growth has helped position Vietnam as one of the most promising markets in the ASEAN region.

However, according to the VCCI Vice-President, alongside this rapid development, smuggling, trade fraud, and the online sale of counterfeit, imitation, and substandard goods have become increasingly complex. These practices seriously affect consumers’ health and even their lives, harm law-abiding businesses, and create anxiety and confusion among consumers.

According to statistics from the National Steering Committee 389, criminal activities and legal violations related to smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods have recently continued to evolve in a complex manner in many major provinces and cities nationwide, including Hanoi, Hai Phong, Hung Yen, Bac Ninh, Ho Chi Minh City, and Dong Nai.

Violations range from the production and trading of counterfeit goods and goods infringing intellectual property rights to the sale of expired or untraceable products, as well as the consumption of smuggled goods and goods without invoices or documentation, posing significant challenges for enforcement agencies.

The National Steering Committee 389 also reported that in the third quarter of 2025 alone, agencies and localities detected, seized, and handled more than 31,000 cases related to smuggling and trade fraud. State budget revenues exceeded VND 3.6 trillion. Authorities initiated 462 criminal cases involving 915 suspects, reflecting an increase in both the scale and sophistication of violations.

In this context, the National Assembly’s passage of the E-commerce Law on December 10, 2025 represents a strategic step, recognizing the realities of digital commerce development while strengthening fraud prevention, protecting consumer rights, and promoting a favorable investment and business environment for the business community.

Facing this situation, VCCI leaders emphasized that improving the legal framework, enhancing enforcement effectiveness, and raising the accountability of market participants are urgent requirements. The Forum was organized to create an open and substantive platform for dialogue among relevant stakeholders.

“The opinions, proposals, and recommendations put forward by experts, authorities, agencies, and businesses will be compiled by VCCI and reported to the Prime Minister and relevant ministries and agencies, contributing to the formulation of appropriate and timely policies and regulations to curb the trade in counterfeit, imitation, smuggled, and substandard goods on online platforms and social networks. At the same time, this will strengthen the protection of consumers’ legitimate rights and interests and help establish a transparent and fair business environment for enterprises,” the VCCI Vice President affirmed.