Over 4 tons of smuggled red dates seized in Hanoi

Inspectors from the city Market Management Department found the goods at a facility owned by Bui Thi Thuy in Ha Dong District.

The red dates, valued at VND69 million (US$2,650), were considered smuggled and will therefore be destroyed, and Thuy will be fined VND50 million.

Officials examine smuggled red dates in Ha Dong District, Hanoi on June 9, 2025. Photo by of Hanoi Market Management Department

Red dates, also known as jujube, is a popular sweet fruit in Asia valued for its nutrient-rich content. It is believed to support liver function, promote calmness and improve sleep quality.

But authorities have warned that red dates without stringent oversight of raw material sources, chemical residues and pesticide levels can lead to food poisoning, potentially damaging the liver, kidneys and digestive system, and have severe long-term health implications.

On five major e-commerce platforms in Vietnam, China’s Xinjiang red dates sales hit US$322 million last year, according to data provider Metric.

Vietnam also imports red dates from South Korea that retail at VND80,000-200,000 per kilogram.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade’s domestic market management and development department has said the majority of red dates available in the market lack clear origins and are not imported through official channels.

Only a handful of businesses are authorized to distribute red dates imported legitimately from South Korea and China.

These are required to carry auxiliary labels detailing the production location, importer information, expiration date, and usage guidelines.

Since early May Hanoi market management officials have been raiding businesses, seizing numerous fake, substandard and undocumented goods worth hundreds of millions of dong (VND100 million = US$3,844).