. /.   WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/LIC/Q/VNM/1 
10 October 2008 
 (08-4829) 
Committee on Import Licensing Original:   English 
  
 
 
IMPORT LICENSING SYSTEM OF VIET NAM 
 
Questions from the UNITED STATES to VIET NAM
 
 
 
 The following communication, dated 8 October 2008, is being circulated at the request of the delegation of the United States.  
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Questions from the United States on the Decision on Application of Automatic Import Licensing 
System to Certain Goods Items (No.24/2008/QD-BC) 
 
 
What is the purpose of requiring automatic im port licensing for those goods listed in Annex 1 
of Decision 24/2008/QD-BCT?   
 According to Article 1 of the Decision, Vietnam states that the import licensing system is 
automatic.  As a result, we would appreciate conf irmation that import license applications will be 
approved in all cases, without discretion, for tho se goods listed in Annex 1 of the Decision.  
 
 Will import license applications be approved immediately upon receipt (provided that the 
applications are complete and accurate)?   We understand that Vietnam reserves the right to  deny the listed imports in the event that 
there appears to be a shortage of foreign exchange?  If so, these would not be automatic licenses.  
Under what circumstances would tr ade in these products be restrict ed, i.e. the licence not granted 
automatically?  
• Is there a fee associated with obtaining th e automatic import license?  If so, is it a 
uniform fee for all goods or does the fee vary depending on the good?  
 
 How far in advance of importation must th e import license application be submitted? Can 
licenses be obtained within a shorter amount of time  or on an expedited basis for goods arriving at the 
port without a license?     What is the period of validity for the automatic import license? 
 G/LIC/Q/VNM/1 
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   Article 7 of the Decision reads, “When carrying out import procedures, in addition to the 
import dossier set as per current regulations, bus iness entity should present to  Customs agency an 
Application for import registration certified by the Ministry of Industry and Trade.”  
• What does that mean?  Must the business entity make a second application for an 
import license to the Customs Agency?  Or does it mean that the business entity must 
present the automatic import license (certifie d registration) to the Customs Agency 
when completing the importation of the goods? 
  Article 8 of the Decision reads, “Not later than five days, from the date on which custom 
clearance procedures for imported consignments ar e finalized, business entitles shall report its import 
situation to the Ministry of Industry and Trade as pe r standard form attached hereto as Annex 3.”   
 
• We would greatly appreciate if Vietna m could provide a further explanation 
regarding this requirement.  What is m eant by “import situation”?  What is the 
purpose for collecting this information in  addition to those documents already 
required for the import license application?  
 
 The list of products covered by the requirement is extensive, applicable to a large number of 
agricultural and industrial goods.  Approximately wh at percentage of Vietna m's imports are covered 
by the requirement? 
 
 Vietnam indicates that the automatic import license requirement will expire after 31 December 2008.  Under what circumstance s would Vietnam contemplate extending this 
requirement beyond 31 December?  
 
 We understand that Decision 24/2008/QD- BCT was published on 17 August 2008.  Does 
Vietnam intend to make a notification to the WTO Committee on Import Licensing regarding these 
new import license requirements?   
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