These efforts aim to combat smuggling and commercial fraud while ensuring food safety to protect the rights and health of consumers during the holiday season.

In January 2026, which is the period approaching the Lunar New Year, the supply and demand of goods within the province remained basically stable. Production and business establishments have proactively increased their inventories to serve the needs of the people. The distribution system has expanded with diverse goods in terms of types and designs being offered for sale. Although prices of essential items have fluctuated slightly, they remain under control without any sudden increases or shortages of goods.

However, despite these positive signals, the reality shows that the end of the year and the Lunar New Year are always periods with potential risks of legal violations in commercial activities. Taking advantage of high demand, some organizations and individuals may perform acts of commercial fraud or violate regulations regarding prices, business conditions, and food safety.

Through inspection and control work in January 2026, the Market Management Team No.4 under the provincial Market Management Department discovered several main violations. These included the failure to list prices according to regulations and the use of workers in direct contact with food without sufficient labor protection. Some establishments failed to display notices stating that alcohol and beer are not sold to persons under 18 years old at visible locations. Additionally, hygiene conditions at some business sites for displaying and storing food were not guaranteed, which allowed insects and harmful animals to enter.

The Market Management Team No.4 conducted inspections on 6 cases and handled administrative violations in 4 cases with a total amount of VND 6.7 million collected for the State budget. Although the number of violations is not large and the fine value is not high, each timely handled case is significant for general deterrence and prevention. This contributes to building a healthy business environment and protecting the legitimate interests of consumers.

It is an encouraging signal that functional forces have not discovered cases of production or business of smuggled food, food of unknown origin, or food that does not ensure safety. However, the Market Management force remains vigilant because violations may become more complex and sophisticated in the days close to the holiday.

Sharing about the management work during the peak period, Ngô Xuân Chiến, Head of the Market Management Team No.4, emphasized that during the period before the Lunar New Year of Bính Ngọ 2026, consumer demand increases sharply. This is also the stage when activities of smuggling, commercial fraud, and the production of counterfeit or low-quality goods may become complicated. Recognizing this clearly, the unit has proactively developed and implemented peak periods of market inspection and control with solutions suitable for the actual situation to protect the health of consumers.

Moving into February 2026 during the peak of the Lunar New Year, the Market Management Team No.4 continues to strictly implement the directing documents from the Market Management Department, the Department of Industry and Trade, and the People's Committees at all levels. The focus is to ensure the full and timely implementation of directions while increasing regular and specialized inspections of organizations or individuals with signs of violations. The unit will coordinate closely with other forces to fight against smuggling and counterfeit goods, especially for key items for the holiday.

To protect the legitimate rights of consumers, the provincial Market Management Department issued a peak specialized inspection plan against smuggling and counterfeit goods for the final months of 2025 and the period before, during, and after the Lunar New Year of Bính Ngọ 2026. Subordinate Market Management Teams are required to follow the plan closely by monitoring the local area and strictly controlling the circulation of goods to promptly handle violations.

The Market Management force focuses on inspecting items with high demand such as sweets, fruits, alcohol, beer, cigarettes, soft drinks, electronics, clothing, and various types of fireworks. Specifically, petroleum business activities are closely monitored to prevent hoarding or unreasonable price increases. This contributes to market stability and serves the needs of the people during the spring festival.

Beside professional work, the Market Management Department also focuses on promoting legal propaganda and dissemination. Through coordination with communication agencies, legal regulations on goods business and food safety are widely disseminated to people and businesses. Violation cases are publicly announced to increase deterrence. The force also encourages people and businesses not to participate in smuggling while requiring establishments to sign commitments not to trade in counterfeit or low-quality goods.

With a proactive and responsible spirit, the Market Management force is performing its core role well in managing and controlling the market for the Lunar New Year of Bính Ngọ 2026. The close coordination between sectors and levels along with the legal awareness of the community has contributed to maintaining market stability. Through these efforts, the rights and health of consumers are protected while creating a foundation for a healthy and sustainable business environment.