It's Crackdown Time in Vietnam for Fakes and Digital Piracy! 🛡️
Vietnam to intensify measures against copyright infringement and unauthorized digital use
Vietnam's stepping up its game against counterfeits and digital piracy, and it's all happening amid ongoing trade discussions with the United States. Luxury goods from luxury powerhouses like Prada and Gucci, electronic devices from tech titans such as Google and Samsung, and toys from bigwigs like Mattel and Lego are about to face stricter border checks, based on information from the customs department of the finance ministry shared with Reuters.
It seems that the US isn't thrilled about Vietnam being a hub for illegal activities and has even hinted at hefty tariffs. The list of items under scrutiny also includes consumer goods like shampoos and razors from Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson. In response, Vietnam's targeting mainly imported fakes - locally made imitations haven't escaped the notice of Uncle Sam either.
The customs department isn't just focused on luxury goods, though. Inspections are also being stepped up to monitor the use of counterfeit software. A local company received a stern warning from Vietnam's culture ministry, following a complaint from the Business Software Alliance (BSA), which counts Microsoft, Oracle, and Adobe among its members. According to someone in the know, similar warnings have been sent to several companies since early April.
Vietnam's become a manufacturing powerhouse for exports and has been seen as an alternative to China. With Trump threatening 46% tariffs on exports to the US (Vietnam's largest market), Vietnam's success could be at risk. A tariff pause is in place until July, but improving protection of intellectual property, including the fight against fakes and digital piracy, is a priority in US-Vietnam trade talks.
Despite the stepped-up controls, there were still fake luxury goods on sale last week at a shopping center in Ho Chi Minh City - a place known for counterfeiting and listed by the US trade representative as a notorious market for such activities. "They're not authentic," a seller told Reuters, referring to Prada wallets and bags she was hawking. You can guess where they were made! 🤔
Sources: ntv.de, RTS
- The Commission has also been consulted on the draft regulation concerning the increase in border checks for counterfeit goods, including luxury items, electronics, and consumer products, as part of Vietnam's crackdown on fakes and digital piracy.
- The Business Software Alliance (BSA) has consulted the culture ministry of Vietnam about the illegal use of counterfeit software in local businesses, which may lead to potential fines or sanctions for these companies.
