On 18 September 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Customs hosted a seminar titled "Distinguishing Genuine and Counterfeit Goods under the Don't Risk It Strategy and Sharing Practical Experience in the Supervision of E-Commerce Goods 2025". The event brought together customs officials from provincial units across the country, international experts, and representatives from leading intellectual property law firms. Organised within the framework of the ASEAN Intellectual Property Rights Strategy 2020–2025, the seminar aimed to enhance the operational capacity of customs officers, raise awareness among businesses and consumers, and highlight the serious economic and social consequences of counterfeit goods.

Strengthening Capacity to Identify Counterfeits

The program equipped customs officers with practical, in-depth knowledge to help them effectively identify counterfeit and infringing goods. Key topics included legal and technological tools, essential indicators for distinguishing genuine products from counterfeits, and new trends in ecommerce - an area where IP infringements are particularly prevalent. The seminar also introduced cross-border monitoring mechanisms and emphasized the importance of close cooperation among Customs, businesses, and rightsholders.

Hands-On Learning and Real-World Examples

Experts from the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and various rightsholders shared practical enforcement experiences and introduced WCO-recommended tools. A highlight of the program was the live demonstration, where genuine and counterfeit goods were displayed side by side, giving customs officers valuable, hands-on experience. Rightsholders also presented common counterfeiting techniques, sophisticated imitation tactics, and showcased real counterfeit products found on the market. These real-world examples significantly strengthened participants' ability to detect infringements in practice.

Raising Consumer Awareness

Beyond technical training, the seminar sought to increase consumer awareness among attendees by enhancing their ability to recognise authentic goods and encouraging responsible consumption. Participants were reminded of the broader impact of purchasing counterfeit products - not only on businesses and market integrity but also on consumer health, financial security, and trust.

A Strategic Step Forward

The seminar reaffirmed Vietnam Customs' strong commitment and pioneering role in IP enforcement through the "Don't Risk It" strategy. By integrating advanced tools, international best practices, and fostering cooperation among experts, rightsholders, businesses, and enforcement authorities, the initiative strengthened the ability of customs officers to identify counterfeit goods quickly and accurately. This event represents a strategic step in enhancing border enforcement amid the rapid growth of e-commerce, reinforcing Customs' central role in safeguarding consumer interests, ensuring fair market competition, and supporting the sustainable development of legitimate businesses.

Source:
https://kv03.customs.gov.vn/index.jsp?pageId=1969&aid=213275&cid=3764(Vietnamese) https://thuehaiquan.tapchikinhtetaichinh.vn/hai-quan-tang-cuong-nang-luc-thuc-thi- quyen-shtt-trong-boi-canh-thuong-mai-dien-tu-199340.html (Vietnamese)