Illustrative image (Source: VNA) The National Steering Committee 389 deals with prevention andcontrol of smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods.
Inthe first half, the committee’s units inspected 19,057 cases, dealt with 12,162cases, and launched criminal proceedings against 42 cases with 48 defendants, collecting1,569.577 billion VND (68.24 million USD) for the State budget, up 172.53billion VND (7.5 million USD) annually.
ChuXuan Kien, Deputy Director of the Hanoi municipal Department of Industry andTrade, said the trade and transport of illicit and smuggled goods remaincomplicated, adding that smugglers often store goods in the northern provinces ofBac Giang, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen and the suburbs of Hanoi, then put them in smallpackets for easier transport.
Dueto lax export-import procedures, frauds in customs filling have also occurred.
Counterfeitsand others violating intellectual property rights are not only manufactured athome but also abroad, then shipped to the domestic market for consumption,particularly consumer goods, electronics, apparel, footwear, handbags,cosmetics, food and sport devices.
Somemerchants have even purchased expired or near-expiry goods to correct theirexpiry date and sell in remote and suburban areas, mostly confectionary, vegetablesand fruits, and livestock products.
Betweennow and the year’s end, particularly before and during the New Year festivalwhen purchasing power soars, the steering committee’s units were asked to strengtheninspection on trade, transport and slaughter of poultry, as well as trade inalcohol, cigarettes and street food.
ViceChairman of the Hanoi municipal People’s Committee Le Hong Son asked forintensifying synchronous collaboration in the effort and increasingcommunications campaigns to raise public awareness in the regard.-VNA
VNA
