The General Department of Vietnam Customs (“GDVC”) issued Document No. 5480/TCHQ-GSQL on November 8, 2024, requesting all provincial Customs Departments to enhance the inspection, supervision, and control of import goods traded via e-commerce. This move comes as several new e-commerce platforms have been found offering low-cost products without proper business registration, raising concerns over counterfeit, substandard goods, and potential tax evasion.

According to the Document, the Customs Departments are advised not to carry out customs procedures for independent transport declarations that:

• Lack of information about the e-commerce website or application; or
• Include information about e-commerce websites or applications that are not registered to operate in Vietnam or not listed on the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s e-commerce management system.

The GDVC also highlights a range of potentially counterfeit imports, such as food, household appliances, and consumer goods. It further underscores the risks associated with fragmented shipments aimed at evading detection and concealing suspect products. These are important notes for businesses to ensure the legitimacy of their import activities and their smooth operation.

If you have any inquiries regarding intellectual property matters in Vietnam, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

Hai Dinh

IP Associate

[email protected]

+84 28 73 009 678