Vietnam Customs Enhances Measures to Combat Sophisticated Intellectual Property Infringements at Borders

The expansion of cross-border e-commerce in Vietnam has significantly transformed international trade logistics, creating new challenges for customs authorities tasked with preventing the entry of counterfeit and intellectual property (IP)-infringing goods. Offenders increasingly employ sophisticated tactics, such as splitting shipments into smaller consignments and using express delivery, international post, or transit operations to evade detection.

Vietnam’s customs force has responded by tightening controls at border gates and ports of entry, stepping up the use of information technology and digital transformation initiatives to enhance risk-based management. Databases containing intellectual property rights, protected trademarks, and alerts from rights holders are continuously updated to assist customs officers in identifying suspect goods more effectively.

According to the Department of Customs, a recent nationwide campaign implementing the Prime Minister’s Official Dispatch No. 38/CD-TTg on combating counterfeit goods and IP violations led to the seizure of thousands of suspected counterfeit products and trademark-infringing goods. These enforcement actions highlight the complexity of the issue and the customs sector’s commitment to strengthening oversight across multiple trade routes.

Notably, violations are no longer concentrated solely along the northern border with China, the country’s largest trading partner. Cases have also emerged along transit transport routes and at major southern seaports, reflecting the widespread nature of IP infringements across various import-export categories.

The proliferation of cross-border e-commerce platforms has further complicated enforcement efforts. Small-scale orders of counterfeit and imitation products increasingly enter the domestic market through these channels, making inspection and monitoring more challenging.

To address these evolving threats, customs authorities have introduced new legal frameworks to streamline enforcement. The Department of Customs recently issued guidance standardizing appraisal procedures for suspected infringing goods in export, import, and transit. Under this framework, if a rights holder or authorized representative provides written confirmation of infringement, customs may proceed with enforcement without requiring expert assessment. In cases lacking sufficient evidence, customs officers will collect samples for appraisal or collaborate with relevant agencies for further verification. This approach aims to shorten investigation timelines and accelerate case handling.

Moreover, the customs sector is enhancing cooperation with trademark owners, industry associations, and international organizations to exchange information, support product authentication, and bolster enforcement capacity. Such partnerships are critical as IP violations grow increasingly sophisticated, cross-border in nature, and linked to e-commerce growth.

Tran Le Hong, Deputy Director of the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam under the Ministry of Science and Technology, emphasized that Vietnam pursues a comprehensive and effective IP protection policy. This policy balances the interests of rights holders with the public interest, fostering innovation, supporting international integration, and contributing to socio-economic development.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung has directed ministries and agencies to conduct a comprehensive review of laws and regulations governing IP enforcement. The goal is to promptly address legal bottlenecks, improve enforcement effectiveness, and cultivate a culture of respect for IP rights in Vietnam.

The intensified customs enforcement efforts align with broader national priorities to combat counterfeit goods and protect consumer rights, thereby promoting a fair competitive environment and sustainable domestic market development.

These developments underscore Vietnam’s commitment to strengthening intellectual property protection amid the challenges posed by evolving trade practices and technological advancements in cross-border commerce.