VIETNAM
Since January 2020
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Restrictions on online payments
Circular 23/2019/TT-NHNN (Thông tư Số: 23/2019/TT-NHNN)
In 2015, the State Bank of Vietnam issued Circular 39/2014/TT-NHNN to regulate payments via intermediaries, and the Circular was then replaced by Circular 23/2019/TT-NHNN in 2019. E-payments made via intermediaries such as e-wallets are regulated under this Circular. According to the Circular, owners of e-wallets must link the wallet to a bank account created in Vietnam or via branches of foreign banks in Vietnam in order to make payments in Vietnam.
Coverage E-payments
VIETNAM
Reported in 2021, last reported in 2026
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Threshold for ‘De Minimis’ rule
Low de minimis threshold
It is reported that the de minimis threshold, that is the minimum value of goods below which customs do not charge duties, is USD 43, below the 200 USD threshold recommended by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260421175327/https://global-express.org/index.php?id=271&act=101&profile_id=-1&countries%5B%5D=-2&search_terms=&question-filter=&qid_34=1&qid_34_optid=1&qid_35=1&qid_36=1...
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260421175026/https://global-express.org/assets/files/GEA%20De%20Minimis%20Country%20information_4%20November%202021.pdf
VIETNAM
Since February 2020, entry into force in April 2020, last amended in January 2022
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Restrictions on domain names
Decree No. 15/2020/ND-CP on Penalties for Administrative Violations Against Regulations on Postal Services, Telecommunications, Radio Frequencies, Information Technology and Electronic Transactions (Nghị định số 15/2020/NĐ-CP của Chính phủ: Quy định xử phạt vi phạm hành chính trong lĩnh vực bưu chính, viễn thông, tần số vô tuyến điện, công nghệ thông tin và giao dich điện tử)
In February 2020, the Vietnamese government issued Decree No. 15/2020/ND-CP to regulate administrative violations in several sectors including the telecommunications sector, IT and electronic transactions. Art. 44.1.(d) of the Decree regulates penalties for electronic newspapers, general websites or web portals, and social networks for not using the Vietnamese national domain name ".vn" and not storing information in the server system with an IP address in Vietnam. In addition, according to Art. 45.3.(d) of the Decree, these companies shall be fined if they do not use primary domain name servers (DNS) using the Vietnamese national domain name ".vn".
Coverage Telecommunications sector, IT and electronic transaction
VIETNAM
Since December 2025, entry into force in July 2026
Since June 2018, entry into force in January 2019, until July 2026
Since June 2018, entry into force in January 2019, until July 2026
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Local presence requirements for digital services providers
Law on Cybersecurity No. 116/2025/QH15 (Luật số 116/2025/QH15 của Quốc hội: Luật An ninh mạng)
Law on Cybersecurity No. 24/2018/QH14 (Luật số 24/2018/QH14 của Quốc hội: Luật an ninh mạng)
Law on Cybersecurity No. 24/2018/QH14 (Luật số 24/2018/QH14 của Quốc hội: Luật an ninh mạng)
Art. 25.3 of the Law on Cybersecurity stipulates that certain foreign enterprises must establish a branch or a representative office in Vietnam. This obligation extends to foreign enterprises that provide services via telecommunications networks, the Internet, and value‑added services in cyberspace within Vietnam, and that collect, utilise, analyse, or process personal data, data concerning user relationships, and data generated by users in Vietnam. A comparable requirement previously appeared in Art. 26.3 of the earlier Law on Cybersecurity.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260421200308/https://www.qtsc.com.vn/uploads/files/2026/02/02/116_2025_QH15_688491.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260421195751/https://datafiles.chinhphu.vn/cpp/files/vbpq/2026/01/luat116-2025.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241125165607/https://cyrilla.org/api/files/1597413928626du5wglw8kff.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241125165634/https://datafiles.chinhphu.vn/cpp/files/vbpq/2022/07/24-2018-qh14..pdf
- https://sim.oecd.org/Simulator.ashx?lang=En&ds=DGSTRI&d1c=all&d2c=vnm
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VIETNAM
Since June 2023, entry into force in July 2024
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Framework for consumer protection applicable to online commerce
Law on Protection of Consumer Rights No. 19/2023/QH15 (Luật số 19/2023/QH15 của Quốc hội: Luật Bảo vệ quyền lợi người tiêu dùng)
The Law on Protection of Consumer Rights provides a comprehensive framework for consumer protection that also applies to online transactions.
Coverage Horizontal
VIETNAM
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Ratification of the UN Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
Lack of signature of the UN Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
Vietnam has not signed the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts.
Coverage Horizontal
VIETNAM
Since 2005
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce
UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce
Vietnam has adopted national legislation based on or influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Commerce.
Coverage Horizontal
VIETNAM
Since 2005
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Signatures
UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Signatures
Vietnam has adopted national legislation based on or influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Signatures.
Coverage Horizontal
VIETNAM
Since November 2015, entry into force in July 2016
Since July 2016
Since December 2018
Since July 2016
Since December 2018
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Export restrictions on ICT goods or online services
Law on Cyber Information Security No. 86/2015/QH13 (Luật số 86/2015/QH13 An Toàn Thông Tin Mạng)
Decree No. 108/2016/ND-CP
Circular No. 13/2018/TT-BTTTT
Decree No. 108/2016/ND-CP
Circular No. 13/2018/TT-BTTTT
Law No. 86/2015/QH13 imposes restrictions and conditions on entities engaging in the import, export, and trade of various network information security products with encryption capabilities. It has been reported that applications for import permits are cumbersome and involve licenses, certificates of conformity, product specifications, copies of commercial invoices, and copies of commercial contracts or documentary evidence. In addition, Decree No.108/2016/ND-CP stipulates in detail the conditions for trade in network information security products and services related to Law No. 86/2015/Qh13. According to Art. 4.2 of the Decree, the Vietnamese Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) is assigned to make a list of network information security products to be imported upon license. Upon the Decree, MIC issued Circular No.13/2018/TT-BTTTT. The Circular regulates the list of network information security products to be imported upon licenses and procedures, as well as dossiers for import licensing. The information network security products to be imported upon license include (i) HS847130 (portable digital automatic data processing machines); (ii) HS847141 (automatic data processing machines and units); (iii) HS847149 (digital automatic data processing machines and units).
Coverage Civil encryption products and services and other network information security products and services (HS Codes 8471 and 8517)
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220122230551/https://www.innovationfiles.org/vietnams-proposed-law-on-information-network-security-threatens-to-imperil-its-ict-economy/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20200219093436/https://mic.gov.vn/Pages/VanBan/14251/13_2018_TT-BTTTT.html
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230524075512/https://vanban.chinhphu.vn/?pageid=27160&docid=183196
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VIETNAM
Since July 2016
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Export restrictions on ICT goods or online services
Decree No. 58/2016/ND-CP
Decree No. 58/2016/ND-CP dated July 2016 regulates the sale and provision of civil encryption products and services as well as the export or import of civil encryption products. According to the Decree, corporations who want to export and import civil encryption products are requested to apply for the export and import license. Annex 1 of the Decree lists products and services within the scope of the decree, including:
-Biometric encryption products, encryption key management or storage items;
-Cryptographic components of a PKI system;
-Stored data security products;
-Online data security products;
-IP and channel security products;
-Analog and digital voice security products;
-Wireless security products;
-Facsimile and telegraph security products;
-Information protection services utilising civil
encryption products;
-Civil encryption testing and evaluation services;
-Network data security consulting services utilising civil encryption products.
In addition, Annex 2 of the Decree lists civil encryption products to be exported and imported under license: HS8443, HS 8471, HS8473, HS 8517, HS8523, HS8525, HS8526, HS 8529, HS8542, HS854.
The National Agency of Cryptography and Information Security (NACIS) is currently drafting a new decree to amend Decree No. 58/2016/ND-CP, addressing various issues related to cyber information security, including the export and import of civil encryption products.
-Biometric encryption products, encryption key management or storage items;
-Cryptographic components of a PKI system;
-Stored data security products;
-Online data security products;
-IP and channel security products;
-Analog and digital voice security products;
-Wireless security products;
-Facsimile and telegraph security products;
-Information protection services utilising civil
encryption products;
-Civil encryption testing and evaluation services;
-Network data security consulting services utilising civil encryption products.
In addition, Annex 2 of the Decree lists civil encryption products to be exported and imported under license: HS8443, HS 8471, HS8473, HS 8517, HS8523, HS8525, HS8526, HS 8529, HS8542, HS854.
The National Agency of Cryptography and Information Security (NACIS) is currently drafting a new decree to amend Decree No. 58/2016/ND-CP, addressing various issues related to cyber information security, including the export and import of civil encryption products.
Coverage Civil encryption products and services
VIETNAM
Since May 2018
Pillar Technical standards applied to ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Self-certification for product safety
QCVN 118:2018/BTTTT: Technical Regulation on Electromagnetic Compatibility of Multimedia Equipment (QCVN 118:2018/BTTTT Quy chuẩn kỹ thuật quốc gia tương thích điện từ cho thiết bị đa phương tiện – Yêu cầu phát xạ)
Self-certification is allowed in the country for radio transmission, electromagnetic interference (EMI) or electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Vietnam allows foreign companies to self-certify that they comply with these standards, through a Supplier Declaration of Conformity (SDoC). The National technical regulation QCVN 118:2018/BTTTT requires conformity testing and conformity declaration. The supplier or manufacturer of the equipment declares the equipment meets the technical and administrative requirements. A testing laboratory recognized by the regulator tests the equipment, and the supplier registers this equipment with the regulator. These procedures are based on ISO/IEC 17050, with some modifications and requirements to be in line with the legislation framework of goods and products quality control of Vietnam.
Coverage Electronic products
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250121011120/https://luatvietnam.vn/thong-tin/quy-chuan-qcvn-118-2018-btttt-yeu-cau-phat-xa-thiet-bi-da-phuong-tien-164785-d3.html
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250107180525/https://web.wtocenter.org.tw/downFiles/138/385514/00PvkUeXzF211111wH61lFWDoPXsdqH4iCBiTTUO6nqsRFYBzux00000ER5QSJCk00000cmTuOJ3sFRnsaeVev0fTwM4yB000007nW2Q==
VIETNAM
Since December 2025, entry into force in July 2026
Since June 2018, entry into force in January 2019, until July 2026
Since June 2018, entry into force in January 2019, until July 2026
Pillar Technical standards applied to ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Product screening and additional testing requirements
Law on Cybersecurity No. 116/2025/QH15 (Luật số 116/2025/QH15 của Quốc hội: Luật An ninh mạng)
Law on Cybersecurity No. 24/2018/QH14 (Luật số 24/2018/QH14 của Quốc hội: Luật an ninh mạng)
Law on Cybersecurity No. 24/2018/QH14 (Luật số 24/2018/QH14 của Quốc hội: Luật an ninh mạng)
Art. 9 of the Law on Cybersecurity provides that national security information systems must undergo cybersecurity appraisal and certification of compliance prior to their deployment and operation, be subject to periodic inspection and continuous cybersecurity supervision during use, and ensure the prompt detection, response to, and remediation of cybersecurity incidents. Such systems are defined as those information systems of strategic and particular importance in the fields of politics, national defence, security, diplomacy, the economy, and broader social activities, where cybersecurity incidents or legal breaches may adversely affect national security or seriously disrupt social order and public safety, and which are included in a list promulgated by the Prime Minister of Vietnam. These encompass, inter alia, systems relating to military, security, diplomatic, and cryptographic functions; systems for the storage and processing of state secrets; systems preserving artefacts and documents of exceptional importance; systems safeguarding hazardous materials; systems supporting the preservation, manufacture, and management of critical infrastructure associated with national security; key systems serving central governmental bodies and organisations; national information systems in sectors such as energy, finance, banking, telecommunications, transport, agriculture, natural resources and the environment, chemicals, healthcare, and culture; and automated control and monitoring systems at critical works and national security sites. Furthermore, Art. 15.4.b assigns to the Ministry of Public Security responsibility for conducting cybersecurity inspections of equipment, products, telecommunications services, and digital and electronic devices prior to their deployment within such national security information systems. Similar requirements were also contained in the previous Law on Cybersecurity.
Coverage National security information systems
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260421200308/https://www.qtsc.com.vn/uploads/files/2026/02/02/116_2025_QH15_688491.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260421195751/https://datafiles.chinhphu.vn/cpp/files/vbpq/2026/01/luat116-2025.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241125165607/https://cyrilla.org/api/files/1597413928626du5wglw8kff.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241125165634/https://datafiles.chinhphu.vn/cpp/files/vbpq/2022/07/24-2018-qh14..pdf
- Show more...
VIETNAM
Since November 2015, entry into force in July 2016
Pillar Technical standards applied to ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Restrictions on encryption standards
Law on Cyber Information Security No. 86/2015/QH13 (Luật số 86/2015/QH13 An Toàn Thông Tin Mạng)
Art. 36 of Law No. 86/2015/QH13 states that the responsibilities of users of cryptographic products and services include providing the necessary information on cryptographic keys to the competent state authorities upon request. The Law also introduces licensing requirements for tools that offer encryption as a primary function.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231115170116/http://english.mic.gov.vn/Upload/VanBan/Law-on-Network-Information-Security-16-05-30.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231116183259/https://freedomhouse.org/country/vietnam/freedom-net/2022
- https://web.archive.org/web/20221203015431/http://thediplomat.com/2016/10/the-trouble-with-vietnams-cyber-security-law/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230524075512/https://vanban.chinhphu.vn/?pageid=27160&docid=183196
- https://web.archive.org/web/20210625220414/http://www.secdev-foundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/FN-TS-15-Vietnamese-Cyber-Security-Law-Threatens-Privacy-Rights-and-Encryption.pdf
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VIETNAM
Since May 2013, entry into force in July 2013, last amended in January 2018
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Licensing scheme for e-commerce providers
Decree No. 52/2013/ND-CP on E-commerce (Nghị định 52/2013/ND-CP về Thương mại điện tử)
Sections 35 and 60 of Decree No. 52/2013/ND-CP provide that certain E-commerce services need to be licensed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade: E-commerce websites that permit participants to sell and purchase goods according to the method of goods exchange; evaluation and certification of personal data protection policies of traders, organisations and individuals participating in e-commerce activities; and certification of e-contracts.
In addition, Art. 44 states that traders and organisations providing online auction services must register the provision of auction services, and under Art. 52, traders, organisations or individuals may set up sales e-commerce websites if, among other conditions, they have notified the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Also, pursuant to the provisions of Art. 61, one of the conditions for conducting credit rating of e-commerce websites is being a trader or an organisation established under Vietnamese law.
In addition, Art. 44 states that traders and organisations providing online auction services must register the provision of auction services, and under Art. 52, traders, organisations or individuals may set up sales e-commerce websites if, among other conditions, they have notified the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Also, pursuant to the provisions of Art. 61, one of the conditions for conducting credit rating of e-commerce websites is being a trader or an organisation established under Vietnamese law.
Coverage E-commerce sector
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20200130050957/https://nhankiet.vn/vi/w2417/DECREE-522013NDCP-ON-ECOMMERCE--ECOMMERCE.html
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231207100800/https://thuvienphapluat.vn/van-ban/Dau-tu/Nghi-dinh-08-2018-ND-CP-sua-doi-Nghi-dinh-dieu-kien-dau-tu-kinh-doanh-quan-ly-Bo-Cong-thuong-372290.aspx
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241204202305/https://lawnet.vn/ngan-hang-phap-luat/en/tu-van-phap-luat/cong-nghe-thong-tin/what-are-regulations-on-conditions-for-edocuments-to-have-legal-validity-as-the...
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VIETNAM
Since March 2016
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Licensing scheme for e-commerce providers
Circular No. 59/2015/TT-BCT (Thong tu so 59/2015/TT-BCT)
The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) issued Circular No.59/2015/TT-BCT to regulate the management of e-commerce activities via mobile applications. The circular strictly regulates the operation of e-commerce on mobile applications, which requires registration to MOIT. The circular applies to all Vietnamese individuals and organisations, foreigners who reside in Vietnam, and foreigners and organisations who have a presence in Vietnam through investment, setting up branches, or representative offices.
Coverage E-commerce via mobile applications
