This article provides a comprehensive industry standard inquiry guide for entrepreneurs interested in exploring the Vietnamese market and companies already doing business in Vietnam. We have an in-depth discussion of the standard systems of major industries in Vietnam, including manufacturing, agriculture, and service industries. The article introduces the path to standard inquiry, detailed regulatory updates, actual case analysis, and provides expert interpretation and comparison of Chinese and Vietnamese standards. Whether you are considering entering the Vietnamese market or seeking to improve business compliance in Vietnam, this article will become your reference. Through systematic industry standard query methods, we aim to help companies reduce compliance risks and seize the unlimited business opportunities in the Vietnamese market.

Industry classification

Vietnam’s economic structure is undergoing rapid transformation, gradually moving from a traditional agricultural economic base to industrialization and modernization. This shift is reflected in its perceived industry structure. In order to better understand Vietnam’s industry standards, we need to have a deeper understanding of its main industries:

Manufacturing: It is the core pillar of Vietnam’s economy and a key area for foreign investment. The main sub-industries include: Textile and apparel industry: Vietnam is the world’s second largest apparel exporter and has a complete industrial chain. Electronic product manufacturing: Mainly engaged in the production of smartphones and computer accessories, with multinational companies such as Samsung and LG setting up large factories here. Automobile and parts manufacturing: It is developing rapidly, and foreign brands such as Toyota and Honda have set up factories in Vietnam. Food processing industry: utilizing abundant agricultural resources to develop rapidly. The standard system of the manufacturing industry usually involves quality management (such as ISO 9001), environmental management (ISO 14001), occupational health and safety (ISO 45001) and other international standards. There is also Vietnam’s unique TCVN (Vietnam National Standard) series.

Agriculture: Although its proportion in GDP has declined, it is still an important industry in Vietnam. Mainly include: Rice cultivation: Vietnam is the third largest rice exporter in the world. Aquaculture: The main products include shrimp, fish, etc. Coffee cultivation: Vietnam is the world’s second largest coffee exporter, mainly growing Robusta coffee. Livestock: Pork and poultry production is rapidly modernizing. Agricultural standards mainly involve food safety (such as HACCP, GlobalGAP), organic certification, animal welfare, etc. Vietnam is working hard to improve the international recognition of agricultural products.

Service industry: With economic development, the service industry is becoming the fastest growing industry in Vietnam. Mainly include: Food: Vietnam’s rich natural and cultural resources attract a large number of international tourists. Financial services: The banking industry is opening up, and insurance and securities markets are developing rapidly. Logistics and transportation: The rise of e-commerce has driven the development of the logistics industry. Retail industry: Modern retail channels such as supermarkets and convenience stores are developing rapidly. Standards in the service industry usually involve customer service quality, data protection, financial supervision, etc. Vietnam is setting new standards to adapt to the digital economy.

IT industry: Vietnam is striving to become the technology center of Southeast Asia, and the IT industry is developing rapidly. Key areas include: Software Outsourcing Growth: Providing software development services to international clients. Local e-commerce platforms such as Tiki and Sendo. Fintech: Mobile payments and digital banking services are on the rise. Artificial Intelligence and Big Data: Governments are investing heavily in these emerging technology areas. The standards of the IT industry involve information security (such as ISO 27001), software quality (CMMI), data privacy protection, etc. Vietnam is strengthening regulations and standards related to cybersecurity.

Construction Industry: As urbanization accelerates, the construction industry is booming. Mainly include: Residential construction: The real estate market in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi is active. Infrastructure construction: Large-scale projects such as roads, bridges, and ports are constantly emerging . Industrial park construction: In order to attract foreign investment, a large number of industrial parks have been built across Vietnam. Construction industry standards involve construction quality, safety, environmental protection and other aspects. Vietnam is updating its building regulations to adapt to modern construction needs.

Energy industry: Vietnam’s energy demand is growing rapidly and it is vigorously developing renewable energy. Mainly including: Thermal power generation: still the main source of electricity. Hydropower: Vietnam has abundant hydropower resources. Solar and wind energy: working . Oil and gas: Vietnam’s South China Sea is rich in oil and gas resources. Energy industry standards involve safety production, environmental protection, renewable energy technical specifications, etc. Vietnam is developing stricter energy efficiency standards.

Standard type

Vietnam’s industry standards system is a complex and comprehensive system that reflects the country’s emphasis on quality, safety and sustainable development during its rapid development. These standards not only cover common international economic norms, but also include Vietnam’s local special requirements. We can roughly divide these standards into the following main types:

Quality standards: This is also the most widely used type of standard. In Vietnam, quality standards usually include TCVN (Vietnam National Standard) and adopted international standards such as ISO 9001. For manufacturing, there are also specific product quality standards, such as the QCVN (Vietnam Technical Regulations) series. These standards not only specify the physical and chemical properties of the product, but also include quality control requirements during the production process. For example, for textiles, TCVN 5092:2009 specifies test methods for color fastness, while QCVN 01:2017/BCT specifies dyes for formaldehyde and certain aromatic amine dyes in textiles.

Safety Standards: Safety standards are highly valued in Vietnam and cover many aspects from workplace safety to product use safety. Mainly include: a) Occupational health and safety standards: such as ISO 45001 or Vietnam-specific TCVN 5507:2002 (b) Food safety standards: such as HACCP system and Vietnam Food Safety Law (Law No. 55/2010/QH12) various standards. c) Product safety standards: such as QCVN 4: 2009/BKHCN (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment) for electronic products. d) Traffic safety standards: such as TCVN 6211:2003 (motor vehicle seat belt requirements and test methods).

Environmental standards: With Vietnam’s urgent emphasis on environmental protection, environmental standards are becoming increasingly strict and comprehensive. Mainly include: a) Environmental management standard system: such as ISO 14001 and Vietnam’s TCVN 7237:2003. b) Emission standards: such as QCVN 40:2011/BTNMT (industrial wastewater discharge standard) and QCVN 05:2013/BTNMT (ambient air quality standard). c) Environmental impact assessment standards: According to Decree No. 18/2015/ND-CP, certain projects require d) Ecological standards: such as TCVN 11041:2015 (ecological agriculture planting standards).

Process standards: These standards stipulate the production processes of specific industries or products to ensure product quality and production efficiency. For example: a) Agricultural product processing standards: such as TCVN 7500:2005 (General Requirements for Agricultural Products Processing). b) Pharmaceutical process standards: such as TCVN 5080:2012 (Good Manufacturing Practice for Pharmaceutical Products). c) Electronic product manufacturing standards: such as TCVN 9793:2013 (electronic assembly process requirements).

Factory standards: Vietnam is constantly improving its factory standards system to protect workers’ rights and improve labor productivity. Mainly include: a) Labor contract standards: according to the 2019 Labor Law. b) Working hours and holiday standards: such as Decree No. 45/c) Minimum wage standards: adjusted annually by the government based on economic development. d) Vocational training standards: such as TCVN 9701:2013 (Vocational Skills Training Quality Management System Requirements).

Energy efficiency standards: With Vietnam’s emphasis on sustainable development, energy efficiency standards are urgently important. Mainly include: a) Building energy efficiency standards: such as QCVN 09:2017/BXD (Building Energy Efficiency Standard). b) Electrical appliance energy efficiency standards: such as TCVN 7826:2015 (Household Appliance Energy Efficiency Labeling). c) Industrial energy efficiency standards: such as QCVN 50:2013/BTNMT (energy consumption quota for the steel industry).

Information technology and data security standards: As the digital economy develops, such standards are becoming increasingly important. Mainly include: a) Information security management standards: such as the adopted ISO/IEC 27001 and Vietnam’s TCVN 11930:2017. b) Software development standards: such as TCVN 9773:2013 (Software Life Cycle). c) Data protection standards: such as the requirements stipulated in the Network Information Security Law (Law No. 86/2015/QH13).

Certification and accreditation standards: These standards specify how conformity to other standards is assessed and certified. Mainly include: a) Product certification system standards: such as TCVN 7457:2004 (general requirements for product certification agencies). b) Management certification standards: such as TCVN ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015. c) Laboratory accreditation standards: such as TCVN ISO/IEC 17025:2017.

These standard types constitute Vietnam’s comprehensive standard system, reflecting the country’s emphasis on all aspects in the process of pursuing high quality and sustainable development.

Latest regulatory updates

In Vietnam, a market with rapid economic development and ever-changing policy environment, timely grasp of the latest regulatory developments is crucial to the successful operation of enterprises. In order to ensure that enterprises can grasp the latest and most accurate regulatory information in a timely manner, it is very necessary to comprehensively establish an efficient regulatory update tracking system for regulatory information.

This system should first be based on an extensive information collection network. Enterprises can follow multiple authoritative sources such as the Vietnamese government portal, official channels of ministries, parliament websites, official gazettes, etc. They should also pay close attention to the information released by major legal databases and industry associations. It is recommended to arrange a dedicated team to check these channels regularly every day. , to ensure that no important regulatory fluctuations are missed.

To effectively process and analyze this massive amount of information, companies can consider forming a dedicated team of legal experts, industry analysts, and translators. The responsibility of this team is not only to collect information, but more importantly, to analyze and transform the information. They need to sift and classify the information collected every day, conduct in-depth analysis of the potential impact of new regulations on the industry in which the company operates, and translate complex legal provisions into easy-to-understand practical guidance.

Considering that different industries face different regulatory challenges, dedicated industry tracking groups can be established. These groups can respectively focus on regulatory changes in key areas such as manufacturing, financial services, technology, agriculture and food safety. With specialized methods, companies can obtain more accurate and valuable information.

The same is the timely delivery of information. It is recommended to establish a multi-level update release, including daily alerts, weekly summary reports, monthly regulatory trend analysis and important quarterly industry impact assessments. This multi-level information release can ensure that enterprises choose the most appropriate way to obtain information according to their own needs.

To improve the ease of access to information, companies may consider developing or using an online alcohol platform. The platform should provide customizable regulatory updates, regulatory timelines, regulatory comparisons and other functions, allowing companies to quickly and easily use regulations to obtain the information they need.

Establishing an intelligent early warning system is also very valuable. This system should be able to identify regulatory changes that may have a significant impact on business operations, notify compliance preparation dates in advance, and provide early warning of potential regulatory conflicts or implementation difficulties. This helps companies prepare in advance and proactively respond to possible challenges.

For multinational enterprises, it is recommended to conduct a comparative analysis of Vietnamese regulations and relevant regulations in other countries, as well as an assessment of consistency with international standards. This can help multinational enterprises better understand Vietnam’s position in the regional and global regulatory environment and formulate more informed policies for cross-border business strategies.

In addition to obtaining information, companies should also consider seeking customized regulatory interpretation services. For important regulatory changes, expert interpretation meetings can be arranged to gain an in-depth understanding of the impact of new regulations on specific businesses and formulate a business adjustment plan to adapt to the new regulations.

In order to maintain the accuracy and timeliness of information, enterprises should pay attention to the continuous education of relevant personnel. Regular training can be provided to the team responsible for regulatory tracking, or close collaboration with law schools and research institutions can ensure that analysis remains at the forefront of scholarship.

It’s also important to establish sound feedback optimization. Enterprises can continuously collect opinions and suggestions from various departments through internal questionnaires, rapid response mechanisms, and regular regulatory discussion mechanisms to continuously improve the quality of regulatory updates and interpretations.

By establishing a comprehensive and professional regulatory update mechanism, companies can effectively reduce compliance risks while seizing the opportunities brought by new policies to maintain a competitive advantage in Vietnam’s dynamic but complex market. This will provide Vietnamese enterprises with solid legal and policy support for their business development and promote sustained growth.

Case study

Case analysis is an important method for understanding and applying Vietnamese industry standards. By studying actual cases, companies can gain an in-depth understanding of the specific application of standards and the serious consequences that may arise from non-compliance with standards. Below we will illustrate through multiple cases:

Manufacturing case: In 2019, a Chinese electronics manufacturer set up a factory in Bac Giang Province, Vietnam. For decades, the company ignored Vietnam’s QCVN 4:2009/BKHCN electrical equipment safety standard. As a result, when a large number of products were shipped, the Vietnamese market supervision department found that the products did not meet safety requirements, resulting in the entire batch of goods being detained and facing high fines. This not only caused direct economic losses, but also seriously affected companies in the Vietnamese market. Since then, the company has spent a lot of money, time and resources redesigning its products to ensure compliance with Vietnamese standards before finally regaining market access. This case highlights the importance of understanding and complying with local product safety standards.

Food industry case: In 2020, a local dairy company in Vietnam failed to strictly implement the HACCP (residue analysis and critical control point) system, resulting in a batch of yogurt products being detected to contain disease bacteria that exceeded the standard. This not only led to large-scale product recognition, but also triggered a crisis of consumer trust in the brand. The company’s stock price fell by 30% after the incident, and its market share also shrank significantly. This case highlights the importance of strictly implementing food safety standards in the food industry, which is not only related to consumer health, but also directly affects the survival and development of enterprises.

Service industry case: In 2021, a newly opened high-end hotel in Hanoi failed to fully comply with the QCVN 06:2021/BXD (Building Fire Safety Code) standards, resulting in non-compliance with building fire protection during the first fire inspection after opening. The hotel was ordered to suspend operations for rectification, which not only caused huge economic losses, but also seriously affected the hotel’s opening plan and market positioning. This case shows that even the service industry needs to strictly comply with relevant safety standards, especially those involving public safety.

Environmental protection industry case: In 2022, a foreign-owned textile company in Dong Nai Province, Vietnam, violated QCVN 40:2011/BTNMT (industrial wastewater discharge standard) because its wastewater treatment facilities did not meet standards. The local environmental protection department imposed heavy fines and was required to stop production. It not only caused direct economic losses, but also affected the relationship between enterprises and local governments and communities. Subsequently, the company had to invest a lot of money to upgrade wastewater treatment facilities and implement a stricter internal environmental protection management system. This case highlights the need for companies to pay attention to environmental standards as an important part of corporate social responsibility and sustainable development.

IT industry case: In 2023, a local Vietnamese e-commerce platform failed to fully implement the TCVN 11930:2017 (Information Technology Security Technology Information Security Management System Requirements) standard, resulting in a large-scale user data leakage. This not only triggered strong dissatisfaction among users, but also highlighted the importance of strictly complying with data security and privacy protection standards in the era of digital economy.

Agricultural case: In 2021, a Vietnamese dragon fruit planting company successfully implemented VietGAP (Vietnam Good Agricultural Practices) standards. It not only succeeded in product quality, but also successfully entered high-end markets such as Japan and South Korea. The case of this enterprise has inspired more Vietnamese agricultural enterprises to pay attention to and adopt internationally recognized agricultural standards, thus improving the overall image and competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products. This positive case illustrates that proactive adoption and avoidance of high standards can not only avoid risks but also bring new market opportunities to companies.

No matter which industry you are in, strict compliance with relevant standards and regulations is necessary . It is not only related to the company’s compliance operations, but also directly affects the company’s market competitiveness and long-term development. Businesses should see compliance with standards as an investment, not a burden. By carefully studying and strictly implementing relevant standards, companies can effectively avoid risks, enhance their brand image, and explore new market opportunities, thereby achieving sustained competitive advantage and success in Vietnam, a dynamic but highly competitive market.

Cross-country comparison

In a business environment, cross-border standard comparison is crucial for corporate globalization, especially for Chinese companies planning to expand business in Vietnam. By comparing the similarities and differences in industry standards between Vietnam, China and other countries, companies can better understand the special requirements of the Vietnamese market and formulate higher-level market entry strategies. We conduct research and comparison on several key industry perspectives:

Comparison of manufacturing standards: Vietnam and China, as two important manufacturing bases in Asia, are similar in some aspects, but there are also significant differences. For example, in terms of electronic product manufacturing, Vietnam’s QCVN 4:2009/BKHCN electrical equipment safety standard is similar in basic requirements to China’s GB 4943.1-2011 standard, and both refer to international IEC standards. However, the implementation of standards in Vietnam tends to be stricter, especially for foreign-invested enterprises. In addition, although Vietnam’s labor costs are lower than those in China, its labor standards such as working hours and minimum wages are closer to international standards. Companies need to pay attention to adjusting their human resources strategies.

Comparison of food safety standards: In the field of food safety, Vietnam is accelerating its integration with international standards. Vietnam’s Food Safety Law (Law No. 55/2010/QH12) refers to China’s Food Safety Law in many aspects, but in some specific requirements, for example, Vietnam’s control of food additives is stricter than China’s and is closer to EU standards. In addition, Vietnam is vigorously promoting the VietGAP (Vietnam Good Agricultural Practice) standard, which is similar to China’s “green food” standard, but has different certification processes and requirements. Companies need to pay special attention to these differences when entering the Vietnamese market, and may need to adjust formulas or production processes.

Comparison of environmental protection standards: Vietnam’s environmental protection standards have become increasingly stringent in recent years, and in some aspects even exceed those of China. For example, Vietnam’s QCVN 40:2011/BTNMT industrial wastewater discharge standard is more stringent than China’s GB 8978-1996 standard in some parameters. Especially in high-pollution industries such as textiles and tanning, Vietnam’s environmental protection requirements are gradually approaching EU standards. This means that when Chinese companies invest in Vietnam, they may need to invest more money in environmental protection facilities, thus complying with local environmental protection requirements.

Comparison of data protection and cybersecurity standards: In the era of the digital economy, data protection and cybersecurity standards have become increasingly important. Vietnam’s Cybersecurity Law (Cybersecurity Law) is stricter in some aspects than China’s Cybersecurity Law, particularly in terms of data localization requirements. For example, Vietnam requires that types of data storage must be located in Vietnam, while China’s relevant requirements mainly target critical information infrastructure operators. This means that Chinese Internet companies may need to reconsider their data storage and processing strategies when entering the Vietnamese market.

Comparison of labor standards: In terms of labor standards, Vietnam’s regulations are closer to international standards in some aspects. For example, Vietnam’s standard working hours are 44 hours per week, while China’s is 40 hours per week, but Vietnam’s overtime limits are more stringent. In addition, Vietnam has more detailed regulations on trade union organization and collective bargaining, which may affect the company’s human resources management strategy.

Comparison of product certification standards: In terms of product certification, Vietnam is gradually establishing its own system, but still largely refers to international standards. For example, Vietnam’s CR mark (similar to China’s CCC certification) is more consistent with international standards in terms of requirements. This means that products that have obtained international certification may be more likely to gain market access in Vietnam, but companies still need to pay attention to some requirements unique to Vietnam.

Comparison of financial services standards: In the field of financial services, Vietnam is accelerating its integration with international standards. For example, Vietnam is implementing Basel III, which is similar to China’s approach. However, Vietnam’s regulations on foreign exchange controls and cross-border payments are still relatively strict, which may affect the capital management strategies of multinational companies.

Through these cross-country comparisons, we can see that although Vietnam is moving closer to international standards in many aspects, it still retains its own characteristics and requirements. For companies planning to enter the Vietnamese market, especially Chinese companies, it is crucial to have a deep understanding of these differences. Enterprises need to adjust their products, production processes, management strategies, etc. based on these differences to ensure smooth entry into the Vietnamese market and a firm foothold in the Vietnamese market. At the same time, this kind of comparison can also help companies identify potential opportunities, such as using their own advantages in certain areas to meet the special needs of the Vietnamese market, thereby promoting competitive power.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

In the process of providing Vietnamese industry standards consulting services to enterprises, we found that many customers often encounter some common problems. To help companies better understand and respond to these issues, we have compiled the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q1 : What is the difference between Vietnam’s national standards (TCVN) and technical regulations (QCVN)?

A1 : TCVN (Vietnam Standard) is a recommended standard, and companies can choose whether to implement it. QCVN (Vietnam Technical Regulations) is an export standard that all relevant companies must strictly abide by. QCVN usually involves key areas such as safety, health and environmental protection. For example, TCVN 5603:2008 is a recommended standard for food hygiene, while QCVN 12-1:2011/BYT has hygienic and safety technical specifications for packaging food contact materials and articles.

Q2 : How do I know which Vietnamese standards my products need to comply with?

A2 : First, you can check the official website of the Vietnam General Administration of Standards and Quality (STAMEQ) and search for relevant standards by product category. Secondly, you can consult industry associations or professional standards consulting organizations. Finally, it is recommended to cooperate with local importers or distributors in Vietnam, who are usually very familiar with the relevant requirements.

Q3 : Does Vietnam accept international certification?

A3 : Vietnam recognizes international certifications in many areas, but additional local certifications may be required. For example, for electronic products, even if they have CE certification, they usually need to obtain the Vietnam CR mark. It is recommended to confirm specific requirements with relevant Vietnamese authorities before entering the market.

Q4 : What are the special locations for product labeling requirements in Vietnam?

A4 : Vietnam requires that labels on all imported products must be in Vietnamese. The label must contain information such as product name, name and address of the organization or individual responsible for import, origin, quantity, production date, shelf life and other information. Certain special products (e.g., food, cosmetics) may have additional labeling requirements.

Q5 : How to deal with Vietnam’s frequently updated standards and regulations?

A5 : It is recommended to subscribe to the official notification channels of relevant Vietnamese government departments and regularly check announcements from industry associations. You may also consider hiring local legal counsel or standards consulting services, who can provide timely and up-to-date regulatory information.

Q6: In Vietnam, are there differences in the implementation of standards in different regions?

A6 : Although national standards are applicable nationwide, there may be slight differences in actual implementation in different regions. Especially in some special economic zones or industrial parks, there may be special policies. It is recommended to fully understand the specific local requirements when selecting a site.

Q7 : Are Vietnam’s environmental protection standards strict?

A7 : In recent years, Vietnam’s environmental protection standards have become increasingly stringent. For example, QCVN 40:2011/BTNMT stipulates industrial wastewater discharge standards, some of which are even more stringent than some future standards. Enterprises should pay attention to environmental protection investment to avoid causing pollution and losses.

Q8 : How to deal with the inconsistency between Vietnamese standards and enterprise origin standards?

A8 : When standards are inconsistent, the more stringent standard should generally be adopted. It is recommended to conduct a detailed difference analysis, and if necessary, product design or production processes may need to be adjusted to meet Vietnamese standards. In some cases, you can apply for detention or accommodation to the relevant Vietnamese authorities, but you need to have sufficient reasons and evidence to support it.

Q9: Does Vietnam have special standards and requirements for foreign-invested enterprises?

A9 : Vietnam’s standards generally treat local enterprises and foreign-invested enterprises equally. However, certain sensitive industries (such as media and telecommunications) may have additional restrictions or requirements for foreign-invested enterprises. It is recommended to fully understand the relevant policies before investing.

Q10 : How to deal with Vietnam’s product notification requirements?

A10 : Vietnamese law requires companies to establish a product notification mechanism. Once a safety hazard is discovered in a product, the company should immediately notify the relevant departments and initiate the notification process. It is recommended to formulate detailed pre-notification notifications in advance, including consumer notifications, product recalls, compensation plans, etc.

Q11: What are Vietnam’s intellectual property protection standards?

A11 : Vietnam is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and has continuously strengthened intellectual property protection in recent years. However, enforcement may not match some of this progress. It is recommended to promptly register trademarks, patents and other intellectual property rights before entering the market in Vietnam, and consider hiring local legal counsel to assist in protecting intellectual property rights.

Q12 : What are the characteristics of Vietnam’s management of food additives?

A12 : Vietnam must strictly manage food additives and follow only the “Positive List” system. Additives listed on the permitted use list can only be used and must be strictly adhered to when used in food. Enterprises should carefully check the latest food additive usage regulations issued by Vietnam Optical Fiber.

Q13 : What are the special requirements for Vietnam’s labor safety standards?

A13 : Vietnam’s labor safety standards are gradually improving. For example, according to Notice No. 04/2014/TT-BLDTBXH, companies must conduct regular workplace safety assessments and provide employees with necessary safety training and protective equipment. Especially in high-risk industries such as manufacturing and construction, safety requirements are more stringent. Enterprises should establish a complete occupational safety management system and conduct regular internal audits.

Q14: What are the regulations on importing second-hand machinery and equipment in Vietnam?

A14 : Vietnam has strict restrictions on the import of second-hand machinery and equipment. According to Notice No. 23/2015/TT-BKHCN, only machinery and equipment with a service life of no more than 10 years are allowed to be imported, and they must meet safety, energy saving and environmental protection requirements. Some special industries may have additional restrictions. It is recommended to consult the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology or relevant industry management departments in detail before importing.

Q15: How does Vietnam’s product quality inspection system work?

A15 : Vietnam has a network of national and provincial product quality testing institutions. For imported products, random inspections are usually conducted at the port of entry. Certain products (e.g. food, medical devices) may require comprehensive testing before gaining market access. It is recommended that enterprises proactively cooperate with relevant testing agencies to understand specific testing procedures and standards.

Q16: What special requirements does Vietnam have for plastic packaging?

A16 : Vietnam is strengthening the management of plastic packaging, especially in food contact materials. According to QCVN 12-1:2011/BYT, food packaging materials meet specific migration requirements. In addition, Vietnam is promoting the reduction of single-use plastic use, and companies should pay attention to policy changes in this area and consider adopting more environmentally friendly packaging solutions.

Q17 : What are Vietnam’s new energy vehicle standards?

A17 : Vietnam is formulating and improving standards related to new energy vehicles. At present, electric vehicles are mainly implemented with reference to QCVN 86:2015/BGTVT (upcoming emission standards). However, with the development of the new energy vehicle market, it is expected that more specific standards will be adopted in the future. Businesses should pay close attention to the latest announcements from Vietnam’s Ministry of Transport.

Q18: What special compliance requirements does Vietnam have for border e-commerce?

A18 : Vietnam’s supervision of border e-commerce is strengthening. According to Decree No. 85/2021/ND-CP, cross-border e-commerce platforms need to establish a representative office in Vietnam or designate a Vietnamese legal person as a representative. In addition, data localization, tax filing and other requirements need to be complied with. It is recommended that e-commerce companies pay close attention to the latest regulations of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam.

Q19: What are the advertising regulations in Vietnam that require special attention?

A19 : Vietnam’s advertising regulations are very strict, especially in certain sensitive fields such as medical, health care products, children’s products, etc. In accordance with advertising laws, all advertising content must be in Vietnamese and may require approval from relevant authorities before placement. There are also time and occasion restrictions on advertising for certain products, such as alcoholic beverages. It is recommended to consult with local legal counsel when developing a marketing strategy.

Q20 : What are Vietnam’s requirements for product after-sales service?

A20 : According to the Consumer Rights Protection Law, companies must provide consumers with clear warranty policies and after-sales services. For some products (e.g. electronics, adapters), there are also minimum warranty requirements. Enterprises should establish a complete after-sales service network and ensure the supply of spare parts. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in penalties and consumer complaints.

Q21: What are the data privacy protection regulations in Vietnam?

A21 : Vietnam currently does not have a unified data privacy protection law, but relevant provisions are scattered in multiple laws, such as the Cybersecurity Law (Cybersecurity Law). Businesses need to be strict when collecting, using and storing personal data, especially when it comes to cross-border transfers of data. It is expected that Vietnam will implement more comprehensive epidemic data protection regulations in the future, and companies should pay close attention to relevant trends.

Q22 : What special regulatory requirements does Vietnam have for the cosmetics industry?

A22 : Vietnam’s supervision of cosmetics is mainly based on the ASEAN Cosmetics Directive. According to Circular No. 06/2011/TT-BYT, all cosmetics must submit product notifications to South Africa before being put on the market. Certain ingredients (such as preservatives, pigments, UV filters) must have usage restrictions. Labels are in Vietnamese and include all ingredient information. It is recommended that cosmetics companies pay close attention to Vietnam’s latest regulations.