“The Dangers of Fake Motorcycle Helmets and Spare Parts”

“The seminar on “The Threat of Counterfeit Motorcycle Helmets and Spare Parts” was held in Ho Chi Minh City with the participation of Mr. Nguyen Tien Dat, Deputy Chief of the Ho Chi Minh City Market Management Bureau; Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Binh, Deputy Head of the Ho Chi Minh City Traffic Police Department; Mr. Nguyen Viet Hong, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Consumer Rights Protection Association; and Ms. Dai Kha Quynh, Head of the Intellectual Property Sub-Committee, Anti-Counterfeiting and Intellectual Property Rights Violations, Vietnam Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (VAMM). The discussions at the seminar highlighted the alarming level and urgency of the counterfeiting issue in the use of motorcycle and motorbike helmets and spare parts (referred to as “motorcycle” parts) – a problem that has serious societal implications. This situation not only challenges the authorities but also calls for community involvement in identifying, reporting, and eliminating counterfeit goods from daily life.

The Dangers of Counterfeit Motorcycle Helmets and Spare Parts

A quality survey of 540 motorcycle helmets by the National Traffic Safety Committee revealed that a concerning 25.9% of the helmets currently in circulation are actually baseball caps with a thin plastic shell and little to no protective foam. These helmets mostly resemble those meant for motorcycle riders, bypass quality control, and often bear fake labels and even counterfeit well-known brands, or lack the required labeling according to legal regulations. These illegal products are sold everywhere, from street vendors and small grocery stores to social media platforms, at extremely low prices, sometimes just a few thousand dong. Worryingly, many consumers knowingly choose these substandard helmets as a “temporary solution” to avoid fines when caught by authorities for not wearing a proper helmet while riding.

Moreover, those who sell or use counterfeit helmets create difficulties for authorities during inspections and handling of violations by arguing that they are unaware that the helmets are fake or that they are just for protection, etc.

While wearing a substandard helmet poses an immediate threat to motorcycle riders, using counterfeit motorcycle spare parts can be likened to “hidden dangers under the wheels.” When consumers repair or replace parts with counterfeits, especially safety-critical components such as brake pads, tires, sprockets, and belts, it not just affects the vehicle’s lifespan but also directly impacts the rider’s safety. The situation is worsening, with an increasing number of counterfeit motorcycle parts such as brake pads, spark plugs, tires, batteries, and engine oil. These products often have fake packaging and anti-counterfeiting stamps, illegally use reputable brands’ trademarks, and are mixed with genuine products, making quality control challenging and potentially leading to serious accidents like tire explosions and engine fires. Counterfeit parts and even entire motorcycles (including electric ones) that infringe upon trademarks and copy designs are becoming more common, with slight modifications and misleading advertisements that confuse consumers with the original products. These acts violate intellectual property rights, advertising laws, and fair competition principles, affecting both consumers and legitimate manufacturers and discouraging investment in research and development, ultimately hindering the country’s economic development. Thus, the seminar on “The Threat of Counterfeit Motorcycle Helmets and Spare Parts” serves not only as a specialized discussion but also as a wake-up call to the current consumer mindset of carelessness and indifference toward product choices and the origin of goods.

According to Mr. Nguyen Tien Dat, Deputy Chief of Ho Chi Minh City’s Market Management Bureau, “The fight against counterfeiting needs to be continuous and relentless. Producers and traders of counterfeit goods are becoming more sophisticated in their methods and constantly finding ways to evade and confront the authorities.” He also pointed out that “even in the production process, they choose locations far from the city center, renting workshops in remote areas, and dividing the production process into different stages, with each stage taking place in a different location.”

Mr. Nguyen Viet Hong, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Consumer Rights Protection Association, stated that the rampant counterfeiting has made it impossible for authorities to control the market. Therefore, consumers need to be cautious and vigilant when purchasing goods from unreliable sources. He emphasized that even anti-counterfeiting stamps are being forged, making it challenging for consumers to distinguish genuine products.

Efforts of Authorities and Businesses in the Fight Against Counterfeiting

The Market Management Bureau and the Police Force are intensifying inspection and violation handling efforts. In June 2025, Ho Chi Minh City Police busted a large-scale fake engine oil production and distribution ring, prosecuting several individuals. Simultaneously, collaborative campaigns between businesses and authorities are expanding to enhance monitoring and consumer awareness.

The Vietnam Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (VAMM), serving as a bridge between manufacturers and consumers, has been actively cooperating with relevant authorities to promote awareness and the use of standard helmets, as well as protect genuine products and intellectual property rights in the motorcycle industry. Notably, VAMM joined forces with the National Traffic Safety Committee, the Hanoi Traffic Safety Committee, the Hanoi Youth Union, and the Hanoi Police in a campaign called “National Standard Helmet for All.” Following the campaign, the rate of standard helmet usage in Hanoi increased by 95% compared to the previous year (from 1,004 to 1,946 cases), demonstrating remarkable success in raising traffic safety awareness among the community. In addition to advocacy, the association also works closely with enforcement agencies to detect and handle violations. In 2024, VAMM participated in the handling of 342 cases, seizing over 17,000 counterfeit spare parts; in the first half of 2025 alone, they discovered and handled 177 cases involving more than 2,000 infringing components. One notable achievement was a seven-year-long lawsuit regarding the infringement of industrial design rights, which a VAMM member company won, demonstrating the association’s unwavering commitment to protecting intellectual property rights in the motorcycle industry.

Uniting to Combat Counterfeiting: VAMM’s Commitment and Appeal to the Community

In addition to legal actions, VAMM places significant emphasis on training and advocacy programs to raise community awareness. Recently, training sessions on distinguishing genuine and counterfeit products, organized by VAMM in Hanoi, Thai Nguyen, Binh Dinh, Dak Nong, and Phu Yen, have effectively enhanced the capabilities of local market management forces. Association members, notably Honda Vietnam, consistently prioritize providing genuine products with clear origins, quality, and safety assurances for consumers.

Representing VAMM, Ms. Dai Kha Quynh affirmed, “Counterfeiters nowadays are so sophisticated that they can perfectly replicate genuine products, even going as far as affixing anti-counterfeiting and conformity stamps and using the trademarks of VAMM member companies without authorization. This situation challenges both law enforcement and consumers in distinguishing and preventing counterfeits.” She also pointed out that only through the synchronized efforts of all stakeholders and the proactive participation of consumers can we effectively combat the pervasive issue of counterfeiting.

Alongside the government’s efforts, protecting consumers requires the collective efforts of society. People are encouraged to purchase products from authorized dealers and agents, ensuring they receive proper invoices and checking the Quality Inspection Certificate upon leaving the factory (for motorcycles) to confirm the authenticity of the goods. If any violations are detected, individuals should promptly report them to the Market Management Bureau, the Economic Police, or the hotline for reporting counterfeit goods. All information provided will be kept confidential and handled strictly according to legal regulations.

Using counterfeit and pirated goods not only supports illegal activities but also poses significant risks to consumers’ lives and property, especially with products like motorcycle helmets and spare parts. Eradicating counterfeiting demands a collective effort from all sectors of society, including government agencies, businesses, and individuals. As a bridge between the government and the people, VAMM pledges to continue its collaboration in producing and distributing standard products, contributing to a transparent, safe, and sustainably developing market.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)