Survey reveals Hanoi awash with counterfeit cosmetics

Up to 47% of cosmetics sold in Hanoi are fake, according to a survey by Nielsen Vietnam and a taskforce on intellectual property.

The information was provided by the Central Steering Committee against Smuggling, Fake Goods and Trade Frauds or (Central Steering Committee 127) at a recent seminar on dealing with cosmetics without clear origin in Hanoi.

Currently, Hanoi is home to 318 cosmetics production companies, accounting for 31% of the country’s total number. Among those, 268 import cosmetics.

The city also has 475 shops specialising in cosmetics and more than 100 centres which offer beauty care services, mostly located in the inner-city districts of Hoan Kiem, Hai Ba Trung, Dong Da and Cau Giay.

Hang Ngang, Hang Dao and Chua Boc streets are well known shopping locations for discounted cosmetics, including internationally famous brands such as Lancome, MAC, Dior and Shiseido. However products with discounts of up to 45-55% are often fake, according to the investigative agencies.

Trinh Quang Duc, an official from the Hanoi Market Control Department said the Hanoi Hospital of Dermatology and Venerology received around 10 patients a day due to problems related to fake cosmetics.