Dong Thap Tightens Inspections, Strictly Handles Violations in E-commerce

(DTO) In recent months, the Dong Thap Market Surveillance Agency has cracked down on business activities conducted on e-commerce platforms. These efforts have helped promptly detect and handle numerous violations, contributing to a safer and healthier online marketplace.

E-commerce in the province has expanded rapidly. Alongside the benefits it brings, some individuals and businesses have exploited online channels to trade counterfeit, substandard, or untraceable goods.

To address this, market surveillance officers have stepped up inspections to promptly detect and handle violations.

Based on field intelligence and tracking of business activities on e-commerce platforms (specifically Facebook), on August 7-8, 2025, Market Surveillance Team No. 8 (under the Dong Thap Market Surveillance Agency) conducted surprise inspections at two business locations in Thap Muoi Commune.

Officers found both establishments selling various electric bicycles with no indication of their place of manufacture or origin. The owners failed to present invoices, documentation, or any proof of origin. 

One business was also operating at multiple locations without notifying the Tax Office or Market Surveillance Agency as required. Team No. 8 issued administrative violation reports and temporarily seized nine electric bicycles, with a total value of over 70 million VND.

In another case, through monitoring business activities on TikTok, Team No. 4 detected an account frequently livestreaming the sale of ready-to-wear clothing suspected to be of unknown origin.

Following verification, on March 9, 2026, the team carried out a surprise inspection at the business location in Cho Gao Commune.

Inspectors found 1,100 women’s T-shirts of various types with no traceable origin. Labels and packaging did not show manufacturing or origin information. 

The goods carried no brand markings or accompanying documents. There were no certificates of origin, contracts, sales invoices, customs declarations, or any paperwork proving lawful ownership or the legitimacy of transactions between the producer and related parties as required by law.

After the explanation period expired, the head of Team No. 4 issued an administrative fine of 25 million VND on the business owner. All violating goods, valued at 55 million VND, were confiscated.

According to the Dong Thap Department of Industry and Trade, the sector has been actively implementing digital-transformation tasks, gradually integrating digital platforms and digital applications into market management and inspection activities. 

Monitoring, data collection, and inspections of businesses operating on e-commerce platforms, social networks, and other online channels have been strengthened. This helps detect and address violations such as smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeit goods, and untraceable products sold online.

Deputy Director of the Dong Thap Department of Industry and Trade Dang Van Tuan reported that in the first three months of 2026, the Market Surveillance Agency detected, inspected, and handled 15 cases across Facebook, Zalo, and TikTok. Total fines exceeded 122 million VND, and the value of seized goods surpassed 176 million VND. Violations included the sale of untraceable goods (cosmetics), smuggled items (phone accessories), and counterfeit branded products.

The agency has also boosted outreach efforts, raising awareness among businesses and consumers about e-commerce regulations, consumer rights, and the responsibilities of market participants across online platforms. 

These efforts help foster safe, responsible consumption habits and encourage the use of legitimate products and services in the digital environment.

By tightening online market management and monitoring, the Market Surveillance Agency is contributing to a transparent, healthy business environment, protecting consumer rights, and creating favorable conditions for legitimate businesses and producers to grow. This, in turn, promotes the consumption of authentic goods and services online.

Deputy Director Dang Van Tuan added that in the coming period, the Provincial Department of Industry and Trade will continue directing the Market Surveillance Agency to closely coordinate, inspect, and monitor e-commerce business activities, promptly address violations in e-commerce in accordance with the law, and help safeguard consumer rights.

By Y PHUONG
Translated by ANH DUC