Warning about the 'matrix' of fake Ngoc Linh ginseng.

Experts warn that counterfeit Ngoc Linh ginseng is appearing on the market in various forms, violating intellectual property rights, quality standards, and geographical indications.

The buying and selling primarily takes place through social media platforms, with direct, hand-to-hand transactions and home delivery. This not only creates difficulties for market management authorities and negatively impacts genuine ginseng growers and sellers, but also leaves buyers confused and uncertain.

It's becoming increasingly difficult to control.

According to the People's Committees of Quang Nam and Kon Tum provinces, along with relevant local agencies, the phenomenon of counterfeit Ngoc Linh ginseng is becoming increasingly common and difficult to control. The distribution and circulation of ginseng on the market is becoming complicated. According to Mr. Le Van Thanh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Quang Nam province, Ngoc Linh ginseng is a precious and rare product. The price of ginseng has increased 4-5 times (compared to two years ago), therefore, the phenomenon of counterfeit Ngoc Linh ginseng being sold at the price of genuine Ngoc Linh ginseng is causing public concern. This has affected the image and quality of Ngoc Linh mountain ginseng, directly impacting ginseng growers and consumers.

The phenomenon of counterfeit Ngoc Linh ginseng is becoming increasingly common and difficult to control.

Mr. Vuong Van Muoi, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Tu Mo Rong district (Kon Tum), also confirmed the existence of counterfeit Ngoc Linh ginseng on the market. Currently, the district has over 300 hectares of ginseng, but it is mainly in the planting and conservation stage and not yet in the commercial stage. However, the district is experiencing the trade of wild Panax notoginseng and Panax pseudoginseng disguised as Ngoc Linh ginseng.

Besides open sales, the sale of counterfeit Ngoc Linh ginseng is also carried out through websites and social media platforms. A representative from the Kon Tum Provincial Market Management Department stated that the area still sees the introduction and sale of Ngoc Linh ginseng roots and products derived from Ngoc Linh ginseng with unclear origins and unverified quality. Particularly concerning are acts of commercial fraud, trading in counterfeit and substandard goods.

Strengthen control and handling of counterfeit Ngoc Linh ginseng.

According to Mr. Pham Viet Tich, Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Quang Nam province: "Although the departments and localities in the province have made many efforts in developing the production, protecting the quality, and brand of Ngoc Linh ginseng; the misuse of the Ngoc Linh brand on ginseng roots and other ginseng products made from Ngoc Linh ginseng in Quang Nam and other provinces and cities nationwide is still rampant and increasingly common. This poses an alarming risk to the brand of Ngoc Linh mountain ginseng."

Furthermore, the authorities lack experience in managing and developing geographical indications in general; in particular, the "Ngoc Linh" geographical indication for ginseng roots is the first geographical indication in Vietnam that involves two provinces (Quang Nam and Kon Tum), so development and management still face many challenges in coordinating between the two provinces.

Mr. Doan Ngoc Son, Head of the Quang Nam Market Management Department, stated that detecting and handling the issue of counterfeit ginseng is facing many difficulties. When a suspected case of counterfeit ginseng is discovered, it is very difficult to distinguish it from genuine ginseng with the naked eye; it requires confirmation from a testing agency, which is very costly and time-consuming.

When counterfeit ginseng is discovered, it is very difficult to distinguish it with the naked eye; it requires evidence and confirmation from a testing agency, which is very costly and time-consuming.

Recently, the People's Committee of Kon Tum province directed relevant agencies to intensify a crackdown on the sale of counterfeit Ngoc Linh ginseng. Inspections revealed that three businesses – Kon Tum Ngoc Linh Ginseng Wine Joint Stock Company, Danaco Quang Nam Company, and Nhat Quang Medicinal Herbs Establishment – ​​were selling Ngoc Linh ginseng products of unknown origin; administrative fines totaling over 96 million VND were imposed. However, these fines only covered violations related to food safety, trading in goods of unknown origin, and lack of business registration certificates, lacking legal basis and sanctions for further offenses, leading to difficulties in management.

Following reports of counterfeit Ngoc Linh ginseng appearing on the market, the Ministry of Science and Technology established a working group to survey and verify the situation in various localities. Minister of Science and Technology Chu Ngoc Anh assigned the Ministry's Inspectorate to act as the focal point, coordinating with relevant units to propose solutions to address current obstacles in managing, controlling, and handling counterfeit Ngoc Linh ginseng. He also requested that Kon Tum and Quang Nam provinces strengthen cooperation, enhance the reputation and brand of Ngoc Linh ginseng products, promptly issue a set of tools and regulations for managing and using the product, establish an association for the production and trading of Ngoc Linh ginseng, and issue product labels for Ngoc Linh ginseng.

According to the Labor Newspaper