Lazada controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
2026
Lazada operator Recess fined VND350 million for misleading consumers in Vietnam
Fine or penalty
Vietnam's National Competition Commission issued a July 9 decision imposing a VND350 million ($13,350) administrative fine on Recess, the Ho Chi Minh City-registered legal entity operating Lazada in Vietnam, for misleading consumers by providing inaccurate information about the services it offered. Recess was ordered to address the violations and review its consumer information practices, and it cooperated during the proceedings.
Source excerpt
The commission said it issued a decision on July 9 imposing a VND350 million ($13,350) administrative fine on Recess for misleading consumers by providing inaccurate information about the services it offered.
Recess is a legal entity registered in Ho Chi Minh City that operates Lazada in Vietnam.
Along with the fine, the company was ordered to promptly address the violations and review how it provides information for consumers to ensure that the information is accurate, complete, and compliant with consumer protection laws.
2024
Retrenchment and union-consultation controversy
Lazada's January 2024 Singapore workforce reduction drew criticism after the company's union was reportedly not consulted beforehand. Questions were also raised about severance benefits and non-compete clauses connected with vested employee stock.
2023
Counterfeit-goods concerns
Lazada has faced recurring criticism over counterfeit products allegedly offered by marketplace sellers. The company has stated that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy, while LazMall was developed partly to provide consumers with more clearly authenticated official-brand channels.
2022
Thai promotional video and Royal Thai Army boycott
A Lazada promotional TikTok video featuring a wheelchair user was interpreted by critics in Thailand as mocking a member of the royal family who uses a wheelchair. The Royal Thai Army responded by prohibiting its personnel from using Lazada, creating a significant reputational controversy for the brand.
2022
Criticism of LazEarth sustainability merchandising
Sustainability experts criticized LazEarth because some products promoted as sustainable or planet-friendly were disposable plastic goods. Critics questioned whether promotional discounts on such products meaningfully reduced plastic waste.