Authorities identified the Hanoi-based company violated cosmetic regulations by failing to provide a product information file (PIF) during an inspection. This mandatory technical document is crucial for businesses to demonstrate product quality, safety, and efficacy.

A representative from the Drug Administration of Vietnam explained that while a PIF is not required for initial market announcement, the responsible entity must present it immediately upon request. Failure to do so results in the revocation of the product's registration number and subsequent penalties.

In response to the violation, the Drug Administration of Vietnam instructed provincial health departments to issue urgent notices to all dealers and sales points, ordering an immediate halt to the sale and use of the three product lines. Distributors are required to return the products to the supplier. Vimac Company bears the responsibility for receiving and destroying all non-compliant cosmetics.

The Hanoi Department of Health will specifically revoke the registration numbers for the three offending products and temporarily halt the acceptance of new registration applications from Vimac Company. The department must oversee the recall and destruction process and submit a report to the Drug Administration of Vietnam by 21/1/2026.

This decisive action by authorities comes as Vietnam's cosmetics market rapidly expands, bringing challenges in quality control, counterfeit products, and misleading advertising. The Drug Administration of Vietnam notes a growing trend of low-quality cosmetics with unclear origins.

According to Statista, Vietnam's cosmetics market is estimated to reach over 2,4 billion USD in 2024, a 3,4% increase year-on-year, and is projected to hit 2,7 billion USD by 2027. Currently, imports account for 90% of the market supply. While traditional retail still holds about 80% of the market share, shopping trends are significantly shifting towards online channels, including e-commerce platforms and social media.

Le Nga