Vietnam's health authorities have ordered the suspension and recall of 10 cosmetic products imported from South Korea. The products were found to have discrepancies between their reported contents and actual formulations, and some advertisements were also deemed non-compliant with regulations.
On July 4, the Drug Administration under the Ministry of Health imposed a fine of 162.5 million dong (approximately $9,450) on IWON Vietnam Co., Ltd. and mandated the recall and disposal of the 10 Korean cosmetic products distributed by the company. Investigations revealed that IWON Vietnam violated regulations during the marketing and advertising of these products.
The primary product in violation is Ruvum's 'Green Citrus Vitamin C Gel Cream Plus,' which authorities determined was sold with a formulation different from what was approved. This product is a gel-type moisturizing and whitening cream from the South Korean Ruvum brand, with a batch number of OC14R and an expiration date of March 13, 2028. The product registration number is 278351/25/CBMP-QLD, issued on June 15 of last year.
IWON Vietnam was also found to have sold products without adequate documentation. The affected products include two from Ruvum, six from Tiam, and two from Foodaholic, covering various items such as cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and masks, all imported from South Korea.
Additionally, products that violated advertising regulations were identified. Authorities found discrepancies in the advertising content of four products: Tiam Pore Minimizing 21 Serum, Tiam Tranexamic Niacin B Serum, Foodaholic Derma Soothing Moisture Mask with Vitamin B, and Tiam Deep Hydration Glow Cream. Consequently, the company must remove these advertisements from e-commerce platforms. The Drug Administration has also ordered the cancellation of the product registration number for Ruvum's Green Citrus Vitamin C Gel Cream Plus.
The Drug Administration has mandated the recall and disposal of all 10 identified cosmetic products. IWON Vietnam will face a six-month suspension of its product registration applications.
Authorities have requested local health departments to take follow-up actions. The Drug Administration has instructed health departments in each province and city to immediately inform businesses and consumers to cease sales and use of the 10 products and to guide suppliers in returning the products. Violations will be addressed according to current regulations.
IWON Vietnam is required to notify distributors and users of the recall and must accept returned products, subsequently recalling and disposing of all non-compliant items. The company must report the results of the recall and disposal of the 10 products to the Drug Administration by the 15th of this month. The Ho Chi Minh City Health Department will oversee the recall and must submit inspection results to the Drug Administration by the 30th of this month.
Other companies are also included in this enforcement action. According to the Drug Administration, IWON Vietnam received the highest fine among the companies involved. Alice Kao Co., Ltd. was fined 55 million dong (approximately $3,190) for inadequate product documentation and ordered to recall and dispose of 20 products. Hong Lam Export-Import and Retail Co., Ltd. received a fine of 90 million dong (approximately $5,220) and a recall order for nine products, while Susu Vietnam Import-Export Trading Joint Stock Company was fined 35 million dong (approximately $2,030). XCGG Co., Ltd. was fined 125 million dong (approximately $7,250) and ordered to recall and dispose of six non-compliant products.
Notably, the recall includes well-known products in the market. The list released by authorities includes Hadalabo Foam Cleansing, Anessa Oil Control Sunscreen Lotion, Anessa Whitening Sunscreen Milk, Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen, Aquafresh Clear Mint, and Aquafresh Soft Mint Toothpaste.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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