As Vietnam faces increasing challenges with counterfeit goods, food safety violations, and trade fraud, traceability is no longer optional — it is becoming a legal requirement and strategic necessity for producers and businesses.
- From Voluntary to Mandatory: Traceability in Vietnam
On March 28, 2024, Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology issued Circular 02/2024/TT-BKHCN, which came into effect on June 1, 2024. This regulation requires all entities involved in the production, distribution, and sale of goods to record and disclose detailed traceability information, including:
- Product names and images
- Company names and addresses
- Product codes, serial numbers (if any), traceability codes
- Production stages and timelines
- Applicable national, regional, or international standards
All information must be printed on packaging via a barcode or QR code and linked to the National Product and Goods Traceability Portal, allowing consumers to verify product authenticity and safety.
The Ministry is also drafting amendments to the Law on Product and Goods Quality, aiming to institutionalize traceability and barcode regulations in line with Resolution 57-NQ/TW on digital transformation in the supply chain.
- The Rise of Counterfeits and the Crisis of Consumer Trust
According to Vietnam’s National Steering Committee 389, more than 34,000 violations were recorded in just the first four months of 2025, including:
- Over 8,200 cases of smuggling and prohibited goods
- 1,100+ cases involving counterfeit products and IP infringement
- VND 4.9 trillion (USD 188.6 million) in fines and seizures
Between May 15 and June 15, 2025, a nationwide crackdown led by the Ministry of Industry and Trade uncovered:
- 3,114 violations, with total value exceeding VND 63 billion (USD 2.42 million)
- 1,580 cases involved fake goods and IP infringement
- 26 cases were referred for criminal prosecution — a 50% year-on-year increase
Food safety is also under scrutiny. On May 6, 2025, the Ministry of Health issued an urgent call following alarming discoveries of counterfeit milk, MSG, cooking oil, and dietary supplements.
- Traceability as a Driver of Market Transparency and Trade
Mandatory traceability plays a vital role in:
- Consumer protection – ensuring product origin, safety, and quality
- Market trust – enhancing brand integrity and enabling informed consumer choices
- Trade competitiveness – helping Vietnam meet international standards and gain market access, especially under increasing pressure from global partners like the United States
- TraceVerified – Supporting the Shift Toward Transparent Supply Chains
TraceVerified is proud to be a pioneer in Vietnam’s traceability landscape. Our digital solutions are designed to help enterprises, cooperatives, and local authorities meet the growing demand for transparency, compliance, and sustainable production.
Our services include:
- End-to-end digital traceability system design
- Real-time supply chain data integration
- MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification) + traceability for low-emission agriculture
- Training and capacity-building programs for smallholders and local governments
We believe traceability is not just about compliance — it’s about building trust, promoting accountability, and enabling inclusive growth.
Together, we can make Vietnam’s agri-food systems safer, smarter, and more competitive.
📩 Contact TraceVerified for custom traceability solutions for your business:
🌐 www.traceverified.com | ✉ info@traceverified.vn | ☎ +84 24 3123 4567