The Federation of Associations for Small and Medium Enterprises of Cambodia (FSMEC) has issued a forceful demand for authorities to take the most stringent measures against individuals and entities involved in the counterfeiting of locally produced Empress brand soap by LSV Industry. This urgent call from FSMEC follows a significant discovery by the Cambodia Consumer Protection, Competition and Fraud Repression Directorate-General (CCF), which uncovered approximately 700 cases, equivalent to nearly 7 tons, of counterfeit Empress soap originating from China, illegally using the local brand’s packaging.
On July 16, the CCF successfully seized 702 cases of counterfeit Empress soap, totaling 6,739 kilograms (over 6.7 tons), during an operation at a location in Tuol Svay Prey commune, Boeng Keng Kang district. During this raid, authorities also detained two Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in the illicit trade. Kim Soksekha, Director-General of the CCF, confirmed that the substantial quantity of fake soap originated from China and utilized packaging identical to that of the local product.
Ms. Nut Samphors, the owner of LSV Industry and the rightful producer of Empress soap, expressed deep distress over the situation and has sought justice from the relevant authorities. She characterized the act of counterfeiting as a severe violation and brand infringement, particularly damaging to Cambodia’s vital Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector.
In response to these findings, FSMEC officially appealed on July 24, urging all competent authorities to implement strict legal action and impose the severest penalties on the perpetrators and companies involved in the deceptive replication of LSV Industry’s Empress brand products. Mr. Teang Tang Po, President of FSMEC, emphasized that acts of product and trademark counterfeiting represent serious legal violations. He stated that such activities inflict significant damage upon the national economy, erode consumer trust, and adversely affect public welfare.
FSMEC highlighted that the impact of these counterfeit products extends directly to the health and safety of consumers, as the fake goods lack quality standards. Furthermore, counterfeiting tarnishes the reputation and financial stability of legitimate businesses, such as LSV Industry, which have invested considerable capital into their operations. This unlawful practice also fosters an environment of unfair competition, thereby negatively impacting the broader investment climate in Cambodia. FSMEC underscored that such fraudulent activities undermine the diligent efforts of legitimate enterprises that meticulously fulfill their tax obligations and adhere to legal regulations.
To safeguard the rights and legitimate interests of SMEs, and to protect consumer safety, FSMEC’s President, Mr. Teang Tang Po, called upon the competent authorities and the judicial system to apply the maximum penalties prescribed by laws pertaining to consumer protection, competition, and trademarks, as well as those addressing unfair competition practices.
Moreover, the FSMEC President urged authorities to intensify their vigilance and continue investigating to uncover other related networks, aiming to eradicate this criminal offense at its root. The CCF’s operation on July 16, which led to the discovery of 702 cases of counterfeit Empress soap at a Chinese-owned house in Tuol Svay Prey 2 commune, Boeng Keng Kang district, Phnom Penh, was initiated following a complaint lodged by Ms. Nut Samphors. On the same day, CCF officials also found 41 bottles across three types of fake Empress soap, totaling 15.2 kilograms, being sold at two stalls in Orussey Market. LSV Industry’s Empress brand soap has been available in the Cambodian market for over two years, establishing its presence before this incident of widespread counterfeiting.
