The Central Steering Committee against Smuggling, Fake Goods and Trade Frauds has requested agencies and localities to impose control on imports of four luxury products, including cars, mobile phones, liquor and wine and cosmetics.
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| Restrictions on imports of wine, liquor, cosmetics, mobile phones and cars |
The move follows circular issued in May by the Ministry of Industry and Trade which focuses on stepping up efforts curb the trade deficit by restricting the import of non-essential goods.
Particularly in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, Can Tho and border zones, such as Lao Cai, Lang Son, Quang Tri and Tay Ninh, have been asked to be diligent in monitoring such goods.
The steering committee also asked market management agencies to supervise businesses which trade these goods, and to check their origins. In case of serious violations, firms can have their business registration certificates revoked.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Circular 197, which was issued in May, mobile phones, cosmetics, wine and liquor are only imported through ports at Haiphong, Danang and Saigon beginning June 1. Vehicles with less than nine seats can be imported through two additional ports, Quang Ninh and Vung Tau.
However, since the circular took effect, a number of importers have used ways to get around this regulation, such as sending disassembled mobile phones by air to be reassembled in country.