DAV rolls out new plan to combat counterfeit drugs and cosmetics

The Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV), a part of the Ministry of Health, issued Document No.1684/QLD-MP on June 13, suspending the circulation of 650ml bottles of 'Geisha' shower gel – batch number: 25BW02C.

Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health

The organisation responsible for bringing the product to market is Ta Minh Quang Import-Export Trading Production Co., Ltd.

The DAV has directed provincial and municipal health departments to immediately notify businesses and consumers to cease sales and use of the affected Geisha shower gel batch, and to coordinate its recall and destruction.

The administration also requested Ta Minh Quang to send a report on the successful recall and destruction of the product to the DAV before July 14.

The DAV had previously issued Document No.1517/QLD-MP on June 4, recalling and suspending the nationwide circulation of Hong Dat Chemical Cosmetics Co., Ltd.'s Keratin Conditioner - 800 ml, batch number: 230225. The product failed to meet microbiological safety standards, constituting a serious violation of cosmetic regulations. Authorities mandated the complete destruction of the affected batch to ensure consumer protection.

Also in early June, the DAV issued Document No.1521/QLD-MP recalling and suspending the nationwide circulation of Shin Nee Premium Cleansing Foam, batch number: 24I0302 for failing to meet quality requirements. Shynh Beauty Co., Ltd. is responsible for bringing the product to market, while the manufacturer is South Korea's Hanacos Co., Ltd.

On May 27, the DAV also issued a document announcing the suspension of circulation and recall of several cosmetics that did not meet quality standards. They included G-Thera Amino Anti-Wrinkle Mask, batch number: CL06C7, manufactured by C&Tech Corporation, Korea, and Adaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - 125ml, batch number: ADSX010324, manufactured by GAMMA Pharmaceuticals-Cosmetics Manufacture Company Ltd.

According to Decision No.610/QD-QLD dated May 20, DAV inspection teams found widespread violations during unannounced checks of drug and cosmetic sellers nationwide.

During the recent National Action Month for Food Safety (April 15 to May 15), health authorities inspected 865 drug and cosmetic producers, importers, and traders across 20 localities, uncovering violations at 48 establishments. The total fines levied amounted to VND534 million ($21,360).

To increase the effectiveness of the fight against counterfeit and poor quality goods in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors, the DAV proposed a series of key solutions. These include amending regulations related to licensing, inspections, and penalties for violations, as well as implementing traceability technologies such as blockchain with end-to-end product identification codes spanning raw materials to distribution.

Additional measures include strengthening both scheduled and unscheduled post-inspection protocols; establishing interagency task forces to investigate potential criminal cases; enhancing training courses for inspectors and market supervisors, particularly at local levels; and launching public awareness campaigns to educate consumers.

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