Strengthening the fight against smuggling, counterfeit goods, trade fraud, protecting consumer rights

(Baonghean.vn) - On the afternoon of March 19, the Department of Industry and Trade and the Provincial Steering Committee 127 held a conference to review the work of combating smuggling, counterfeit goods and trade fraud in 2011 and deploy tasks for 2012. Comrade Thai Van Hang, member of the Provincial Party Committee, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Head of the Provincial Steering Committee 127 chaired the conference.

According to the report of the 127 Provincial Steering Committees, in 2011, the fight against smuggling, counterfeit goods and trade fraud achieved quite comprehensive results; contributing significantly to stabilizing the trade market, promoting production and business and increasing local budget revenue.



Comrade Thai Van Hang awarded Certificates of Merit from the Central Committee and the Provincial People's Committee to collectives and individuals with outstanding achievements.

During the past year, the authorities inspected import-export and immigration activities across the border, handling 101 cases; inspected and handled 448 cases on the sea route, imposing administrative fines of VND847 million. The anti-smuggling work in the domestic market detected and handled 1,729 cases; the total value of fines collected was VND56 billion 846 million (of which VND13 billion 330 million was fined, the value of the violated goods was VND43 billion 516 million).

In addition, in the fight against counterfeit and poor quality goods, food safety and pharmaceuticals, the local authorities have detected and handled 183 cases, administratively fined 206 million VND; inspected and checked 321 business establishments, administratively handled 46 establishments and fined 16.5 million VND...

Concluding the Conference, Comrade Thai Van Hang acknowledged and commended the active participation of the Provincial Steering Committee 127, the coordination of departments, forces and localities in the fight against smuggling, counterfeit goods and trade fraud. The Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee also pointed out existing problems and limitations such as: smuggling of cattle, buffaloes and cows across the Vietnam-Laos border into Nghe An for consumption is still complicated, the fight to prevent and control is not very effective. Counterfeit goods, poor quality goods, intellectual property infringement, and food safety violations are common, causing public outrage.

Price management still has many shortcomings; poor management of price declaration and listing and selling at listed prices... In the coming time, the Provincial Steering Committee 127 needs to continue to promote legal propaganda to create changes in the awareness and actions of the whole society towards the trading of smuggled and counterfeit goods and fraudulent commercial activities. All levels, departments, and organizations need to have close coordination; resolutely and thoroughly handle violations..., creating a combined strength to effectively fight, contributing to stabilizing the market, prices of goods and services in each field to ensure consumer rights.

On this occasion, the Central Steering Committee 127 awarded certificates of merit to 2 groups and 2 individuals; the Provincial People's Committee awarded certificates of merit to 4 groups and 15 individuals with outstanding achievements in performing their tasks.

Ngoc Anh