Warning about fake Ngoc Linh ginseng 'matrix'

According to experts, fake Ngoc Linh ginseng is appearing on the market in the form of intellectual property violations, quality standards violations, and geographical indications violations.

The buying and selling is mainly done through social networking sites, direct hand-to-hand buying and selling, and home delivery. Not only does it cause many difficulties for market management forces, it also affects real ginseng growers and sellers, while buyers are confused.

Increasingly difficult to control

According to the People's Committees of Quang Nam and Kon Tum provinces and related local agencies, the phenomenon of fake Ngoc Linh ginseng is becoming more and more common and difficult to control. The circulation and distribution of ginseng on the market is 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 is currently 4-5 times higher (compared to 2 years ago), so there is a phenomenon of fake Ngoc Linh ginseng being sold at the price of real Ngoc Linh ginseng, causing confusion among people. This has affected the image of the quality of Ngoc Linh mountain ginseng, directly affecting ginseng growers as well as consumers.

The phenomenon of fake Ngoc Linh ginseng is becoming more and more 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 that there is a situation of trading fake Ngoc Linh ginseng in the market. Currently, the district is planting more than 300 hectares but mainly in the planting and conservation stage and not yet put into business, but in the district, there is a situation of trading wild Panax pseudoginseng, Panax pseudoginseng Vu Diep fake Ngoc Linh ginseng.

In addition to the public forms of buying and selling, the buying and selling of fake Ngoc Linh ginseng is also carried out through the use of websites and social networks (MXH) for sale. A representative of the Kon Tum Provincial Market Management Department said: In the area, there are still activities of introducing, buying and selling Ngoc Linh ginseng roots and products derived from Ngoc Linh ginseng of unknown origin and untested quality. In particular, there are acts of commercial fraud, trading in fake and poor quality goods.

Strengthening control and handling of fake Ngoc Linh ginseng

According to Mr. Pham Viet Tich - Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Quang Nam province: "Although the sectors and localities in the province have made many efforts in developing output, protecting the quality and brand of Ngoc Linh ginseng; the situation of using the Ngoc Linh brand on ginseng root products and other ginseng products from Ngoc Linh ginseng in Quang Nam and other provinces and cities in the country is still widespread and increasingly popular. The alarming risk directly affects the brand of Ngoc Linh mountain ginseng".

Besides, the authorities do not have much experience in managing and developing geographical indications in general; especially the geographical indication “Ngoc Linh” for ginseng root products is the first geographical indication in Vietnam related to two provinces (Quang Nam, Kon Tum), so the development and management work is still confusing in the coordination between the two provinces.

Mr. Doan Ngoc Son - Head of the Quang Nam Market Management Department - said that detecting and handling the problem of fake ginseng is facing many difficulties. Because when detecting a suspected fake ginseng case, it is very difficult to distinguish with the naked eye and must have a basis and confirmation from the inspection agency while the cost is very high and takes a lot of time.

When detecting a case of suspected fake ginseng, it is very difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. There must be a basis and confirmation from an inspection agency, while the cost is very high and takes a lot of time.

In recent times, the Kon Tum Provincial People's Committee has directed the authorities to intensify the campaign to crack down on and rectify the trading of fake Ngoc Linh ginseng. Through inspection, it was discovered that 3 businesses, namely Kon Tum Ngoc Linh Ginseng Wine Joint Stock Company, Danaco Quang Nam Company, and Nhat Quang Medicinal Plants, were trading in Ngoc Linh ginseng products of unknown origin; administrative fines of more than 96 million VND were imposed. However, only violations of food safety, trading in goods of unknown origin, and not having a business registration certificate were handled, but there was no legal basis or sanctions, leading to many difficulties in management.

In response to information about fake Ngoc Linh ginseng appearing on the market, the Ministry of Science and Technology has established a working group to visit localities to survey and verify. Minister of Science and Technology Chu Ngoc Anh has assigned the Inspectorate of the Ministry of Science and Technology to be the focal point, coordinating with relevant units to propose solutions to resolve current difficulties in managing, controlling and handling fake Ngoc Linh ginseng. At the same time, he requested the two provinces of Kon Tum and Quang Nam to strengthen coordination, enhance the reputation and brand of Ngoc Linh ginseng products, promptly issue a set of tools, regulations on management and use, and establish a Ngoc Linh ginseng production and trading association, and issue labels for Ngoc Linh ginseng products.

According to Labor Newspaper