The Drug Administration of Vietnam (Ministry of Health) recently recalled 80 product announcement receipt numbers and 162 cosmetic products linked to the Mailisa Beauty Institute. This decision came 4 days after the owners of the Mailisa Beauty Institute were arrested on smuggling charges. These products had been widely circulated in the market for a long time, leading to public concern about gaps in the management, supervision, and post-market inspection processes for cosmetics.

At a government press conference on 6/12, Deputy Minister of Health Vu Manh Ha stated that Vietnam manages cosmetics through a mechanism where businesses declare products, and authorities conduct post-market inspections.

Specifically, businesses notify state agencies to introduce products to the market. They are responsible for the declared information, product safety, effectiveness, and quality. Regulatory bodies verify business compliance after declaration, through random checks, prioritizing inspections for businesses and products deemed high-risk.

The Ministry of Health leadership affirmed that the cosmetic inspection mechanism currently in use aligns with the regulations of the ASEAN Cosmetic Agreement, to which Vietnam is a signatory. This mechanism is also similar to cosmetic management regulations in Europe and many developed countries.

"This mechanism facilitates international integration, helping businesses comply and operate officially, providing quality products to the public", Ha stated.

Additionally, Ha noted that specialized inspections for cosmetics involve not only the Ministry of Health but also other ministries, sectors, and local authorities, including the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Finance, Steering Committee 389, and various provinces and cities.

Deputy Minister of Health Vu Manh Ha speaks at a government press conference on 6/12. *Photo: VGP*

To control the market, the deputy minister stated that the Ministry of Health will continue to enhance cosmetic management. Specifically, they will review, issue, or propose to competent authorities to issue regulations, improving the legal framework for cosmetics by increasing penalties to strongly deter the production and trade of counterfeit cosmetics.

The agency will also continue to build a national cosmetic database for management and traceability. They will enhance inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms with entities such as the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Finance, Steering Committee 389, and local authorities in efforts to combat smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods.

Furthermore, authorities plan to increase oversight of cosmetic business and advertising activities on e-commerce platforms and social media.

Phuong Dung