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Freedom to Conduct Import and Export Business

Under the 2017 Foreign Trade Management Law, businesses in Vietnam are allowed to engage in import and export activities, except for goods listed in the prohibited import and export categories. This regulation applies to:

• Vietnamese traders
• Foreign-invested enterprises
• Foreign traders without a presence in Vietnam but are members of the WTO or have bilateral agreements with Vietnam

Prohibited Import and Export Goods

The list of prohibited import and export goods is outlined in Decree 69/2018/ND-CP. Some of the key items include:

Prohibited Export Goods:

• Weapons, ammunition, explosives: Managed by the Ministry of National Defense
• Artifacts, antiques, national treasures: Managed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism
• Endangered wild animal and plant specimens: Managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
• Hazardous chemicals: Managed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade

Prohibited Import Goods:

• Fireworks, sky lanterns: Managed by the Ministry of Public Security
• Hazardous chemicals: Managed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade
• Consumer goods, medical equipment, used vehicles: Including clothing, shoes, electronics, medical devices, etc.

Circumstances for Applying Import and Export Restrictions

These measures are applied in the following cases:

• Related to national defense and security: Goods not approved by the state authorities
• Protecting health and the environment: Goods harmful to consumer health, the environment, or biodiversity
• Protecting cultural heritage: Including artifacts, antiques, national treasures

>> Read More: What Is the CPTPP Agreement?

Important Notes for Businesses

To ensure legal compliance in import and export activities, businesses should:

• Carefully check the list of prohibited import and export goods according to legal regulations
• Comply with licensing requirements and related procedures
• Stay updated with new regulations from the Ministry of Industry and Trade and relevant authorities

Complying with the prohibited import and export regulations not only helps businesses avoid legal risks but also protects their reputation and operations. At King Freight Logistics Vietnam (KFLV), we are committed to providing professional shipping services that fully comply with legal requirements, ensuring safe and efficient operations for your import and export activities. Contact us at +84 (0) 938 188 796 for free consultation!