Beware of counterfeit products: Important warning for consumers!

Beware of counterfeit products: Important warning for consumers!

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Vietnam has released an important notice calling on the population to pay particular attention to promotional information regarding milk, medicines, functional foods and cosmetics. This warning is part of a comprehensive initiative launched by the Prime Minister on May 2, 2025 with Official Notice No. 55/CD-TTg. The aim is to strengthen the fight against counterfeit products, especially in the area of ​​medicines and health-promoting foods. The population in urban areas such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is particularly targeted to curb the spread of counterfeits.

The ministry intends to improve support for telecommunications entities by sending free text messages to mobile network users. These measures are intended to raise awareness among people in vulnerable provinces and help raise awareness of the dangers of counterfeit products. The first messages will be delivered on May 30th and 31st, 2025.

Growing threat of counterfeit products

The warnings are particularly relevant because counterfeit products represent a global billion-dollar business that is often linked to criminal structures. Germany is a main target market for the trade in illegal goods. One example is counterfeit medications that are increasingly being offered on the Internet, including counterfeit weight loss injections such as Ozempic and Botox. These products are not only ineffective, but can also pose serious health risks because they often contain no active ingredients or the wrong ones.

Europol data shows that counterfeit medicines worth over €64 million have been seized recently. What is worrying is that many of these drugs are manufactured in unsanitary conditions. The use of counterfeit products, particularly in the healthcare sector, can have life-threatening consequences. Consumers should always only order from officially registered online pharmacies with the EU security logo and should exercise particular caution in shops that do not require a prescription or have questionable transparency.

Raise awareness of product piracy

In addition to counterfeit medicines, fashion, cosmetics and toys are also frequent targets of counterfeit gangs. Around a quarter of 15 to 24 year olds have already knowingly bought counterfeit products online. These counterfeits often contain cancer-causing chemicals or allergens and are not subject to safe EU regulations. The economic damage caused by product piracy in Germany is estimated at around 50 billion euros annually.

Combating the trade in counterfeit products linked to organized crime remains a challenge for society. The reports from Europol and other authorities underline the urgency of this issue and the need to raise consumer awareness and take rigorous action against infringements. Consumers should therefore always be alert and understand the risks of ordering counterfeit products.