Vietnam's Ministry of Health has fined 17 pharmaceutical and cosmetics companies a total of over 2.87 billion VND (approximately $1.14 million) for regulatory violations, including mislabeling, unauthorized ingredient changes, and misleading advertising. The crackdown, announced on June 2, 2026, led to the recall and destruction of several high-profile cosmetic products, signaling stricter enforcement in the Vietnamese market that overseas distributors and clinic buyers should monitor closely.
Regulatory sweep and penalties
The Drug Administration of Vietnam, under the Ministry of Health, imposed administrative fines on 17 pharma and cosmetics manufacturers and distributors between May 27 and June 2, 2026. Total penalties reached 2.87 billion VND, with violations including failure to register changes in drug sales permits, unauthorized major and minor modifications, and failure to notify authorities of changes or declare wholesale prices before sale.
Key company violations and product recalls
Vigo Import-Export Trading Service Co., Ltd. (Ho Chi Minh City) was fined 112.5 million VND for selling three products that did not meet approved labeling standards: Laboratorios Babé Stop Akn Repairing Moisturizer, Revision Skincare Retinol Complete 0.5, and Exception White Up Sorbet. These products, priced between 1.1 million and 3.5 million VND on e-commerce sites, were recalled nationwide and their registration numbers canceled. Tan Lam One Member Limited Liability Company (Ho Chi Minh City) received the highest fine of 195 million VND for three violations: using ingredient compositions inconsistent with approved declarations for sunscreen 'Presença Quality Dermal Solutions Defensectra 80+ SPF'; misleading labeling on 'MesoInstitute Hair Repair Hair Solution' that could cause consumers to mistake it for a drug; and selling 18 cosmetic products with incomplete Product Information Files (PIFs) not meeting legal requirements.
Largest penalty and additional recalls
Mediplantex Central Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company (Hanoi) was fined 310 million VND, the highest single penalty, for administrative violations involving 23 drug batches. The Ministry also ordered the suspension and recall of X-Men For Boss Intense Scent Shower Gel (180g) and Bontanica Kitchen Hand Sanitizer (500g).
What buyers should watch
Overseas importers and distributors sourcing cosmetics from Vietnam should verify that suppliers maintain compliant Product Information Files (PIFs) and adhere strictly to approved labeling and ingredient declarations. The recent enforcement actions highlight that Vietnamese authorities are actively monitoring e-commerce platforms and will cancel registration numbers for non-compliant products, potentially disrupting supply chains. Due diligence on regulatory compliance is essential before entering or expanding in this market.
Source: Read the original report | Published: June 02, 2026