A Fresh Spin on Counterfeit OCOP Products and the Fight for Authenticity
Promoting authentic OCOP products through an anti-counterfeit initiative
In the lively city of Hà Nội, a buzzing trade promotion event showcases the unique talents of OCOP specialties, but a growing issue looms: the rise of fake and mislabeled products. This unscrupulous trend undermines credibility and consumer trust, leaving authentic OCOP producers high and dry.
Counterfeit OCOP products are everywhere, from online marketplaces to bustling traditional markets. Even staying power with a three or four-star label, these sham products trick customers and tarnish the reputation of those who've invested greatly to meet certification standards. Inspections reveal that many of these phony goods lack the necessary documentation and certifications, and some have even mastered the art of copying genuine five-star products' packaging and branding down to the smallest details. The problem is particularly prominent in rural areas where OCOP standards awareness remains low and verification tools are scarce.
The consequences are far-reaching. Despite the impressive number of products (over 13,000) certified with at least three stars by the end of 2024 and the inclusion of over 5,600 businesses in the OCOP program, many producers struggle to enter the market owing to the competition posed by these counterfeits. This predicament has disheartened some from seeking certifications, as the costs and labor carry little protection against brand theft.
Authorities are not standing idly by. In 2023, over 52,000 violations related to smuggling and counterfeiting were identified, with the first four months of 2025 alone seeing 34,000 cases processed, racking up over VNĐ4.8 trillion (approximately US$185 million) in fines. However, enforcement remains inconsistent, and penalties are not severe enough to deter repeat offenders.
Time for Action
A concerted and urgent effort is needed to stamp out counterfeit OCOP products, said experts and industry insiders.
First, a focus on anti-counterfeiting measures is vital. Local authorities should intensify random inspections, and violators should face stiff penalties, such as heavy fines, business suspensions for repeated offenses, and public disclosure.
Second, a national digital database of OCOP products should be developed. Complete with unique QR codes for traceability, this database would enable consumers to instantly verify product authenticity, particularly in rural and underdeveloped regions.
Third, e-commerce platforms should be encouraged to monitor and remove listings of fake OCOP-labeled products. Platform accountability is critical to stopping the spread of counterfeit goods online.
Public awareness-raising campaigns are also essential. By informing consumers about genuine OCOP products, trust can be rebuilt, and responsible purchasing can be encouraged.
OCOP is a national program rooted in local pride and identity. Allowing illegitimate goods to water it down would spell disaster. Effective and timely coordinated action is the key to preserving the true value of Vietnam's agricultural heritage and ensuring OCOP continues to flourish and serve its purpose.
Topics worth delving into:
Customers learn about OCOP specialties at a trade promotion event held in Hà Nội last year. - VNA/VNS Photo
- Anti-counterfeiting campaigns and inspections
- Product origin tracing platform
- Technology and label security solutions
- Resolute handling of counterfeit goods
Sources:[1] [Detailed Article 1][2] [Detailed Article 2][3] [Detailed Article 3][4] [Detailed Article 4][5] [Detailed Article 5]
- Enhancing the business operations of authentic OCOP producers requires a resolution to the ongoing issue of counterfeit products, as these sham goods pose competition and undermine trust in the market.
- The fight against counterfeit OCOP products necessitates technology-driven solutions, such as implementing QR codes for traceability and digital databases for verifying the authenticity of OCOP products.
- To deter counterfeit activities, it's crucial that local authorities employ AI-powered systems for random inspections and impose increasingly stringent penalties on violators, including heavy fines and business suspensions.
- In order to preserve the integrity and credibility of the OCOP program within the finance and trade industry, e-commerce platforms should implement stricter policies to monitor and remove listings of counterfeit OCOP products.
