In response to reports of cheap Chinese sturgeon being imported in bulk and sold under the label “Vietnamese sturgeon,” which has left local farmers struggling, Lao Cai authorities have ordered immediate inspections and stricter controls.

The provincial People’s Committee has directed relevant departments and agencies to tighten management of sturgeon imports. The Department of Industry and Trade was tasked with instructing the Market Surveillance Division to step up inspections, cracking down on illegal trading and transportation of sturgeon of unknown origin within domestic markets.

Customs Division VII was assigned to lead coordination with the Lao Cai Animal Quarantine Station and other agencies to strictly control imports, ensuring compliance with origin, traceability, and regulations on permitted species.

Meanwhile, the provincial police and military command were instructed to mobilize forces to work alongside market inspectors, intensifying border patrols to detect, prevent, and punish smuggling of sturgeon across trails and unofficial crossings, as well as the illegal trade and sale of sturgeon without proper documentation.

Provincial authorities also directed the Department of Agriculture and Environment to collaborate with other departments to propose policies supporting local sturgeon farms, including the application of advanced farming technology and development of supply chain-based projects, with the aim of building a sustainable cold-water fish industry.

Border communes and wards were ordered to cooperate with functional forces in monitoring crossings and to strengthen awareness campaigns, urging residents not to assist in the transport or trade of smuggled sturgeon.

Previously, the Lao Cai Cold-Water Fish Association had sent an urgent petition to central ministries, warning that the influx of low-priced imported sturgeon was pushing local farmers into heavy losses and potential bankruptcy. The group said imports mostly entered through northern border gates, sold as fresh fish at prices that directly undercut domestic products, causing farm-gate prices to collapse.

With production costs higher than market prices, many sturgeon farms were forced to downsize or shut down, putting the entire cold-water aquaculture sector at risk of disappearing. The association also noted that imported sturgeon was often passed off as “Lao Cai sturgeon,” eroding consumer trust in authentic local fish.

The association urged authorities to tighten import controls, require clear proof of origin, and consider setting a minimum import price to prevent dumping practices.

Tam An