WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/LIC/N/3/VNM/1 
12 May 2011 
 (11-2436) 
Committee on Import Licensing Original:   English 
   
REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES
1 
 
Notification under Article 7.3 of the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures  
 
VIET NAM 
 
  The following notification, dated 9 May 2011, is being circulated at the request of the delegation of Viet Nam.  
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Outline of system
 
 
1.  Automatic import licences are required for th e importation of certain goods into Viet Nam. 
The general import licensing procedur e is consistent with WTO's rules and Prime Minister's Decision 
No 41/2005/Q Đ-TTg dated 2 March 2005 promulgating the regulations on import licensing 
procedures for imported goods and Decree No. 12/2006/ND-CP dated 23 January 2006 of the 
Government providing guidelines for the implemen tation of the Commercial Law with respect to 
international purchases and sales of goods; and agency for sale and purchase, processing and transit of 
goods involving foreign parties. 
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
 
2.  The list of goods subject to automatic import licences is as follows:  
-  Meat and edible meat offals;  
-  Some fish, crab and fish products;  -  (Processed) meat products; -  Sugar confectionary; chocolate or othe r food preparation containing cocoa;  
-  Some preparation of cereals, flour;  
-  Extracts, essences, and concentrates of other edible items;  
-  Beverages, spirits and vinegars;  -  Cosmetics; -  Preparation of vegetable, fruits; -  Plastic products; textiles and apparels; footwears; 
-  Home electrical appliances; 
-  Motor vehicles and motorcycles; -  Furniture; -  Toys; -  Steel products.  
                                                     
 
1 See document G/LIC/3. G/LIC/N/3/VNM/1 
Page 2  
 
  3.  The licensing regime applies globally to goods originating from all WTO Members. 
 4.  Automatic import licensing is for statistical purposes.  There is no quantitative restriction involved.  
5. The automatic import licensing procedure for the above-mentioned goods is regulated by 
Circular No. 22/2010/TT-BCT dated 20 Ma y 2010; Circular No. 24/2010/TT-BCT dated 
28 May 2010; and Circular No. 31/2010/TT-BCT dated 28 July 2010.  
Procedures
 
  
6. Not applicable.  7.(a)  Application for automatic import licences can be submitted at any time following the signing 
of contract and issuance of the bill of la ding of the consignment.  Licences can not be 
obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence.   
 (b)  A licence shall be issued in 07 working days after the receipt of an application that fully 
meets the requirements set forth in the Circular. 
 (c)  There are no limitations as to the period of  the year during which application for licence 
and/or importation may be made. 
 (d)  Consideration of licence applications is effected by a single administrative organ.  An 
importer has to approach on ly one agency in connecti on with an application. 
 
8.  No reply was received. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9.  All firms and institutions established under Vi etnam's laws are eligible  to apply for licences 
under non-restrictive regime.  Documentation and other requireme nts for application for licence
 
 
10.  An importer is required to submit the following documents:   
-  An automatic import licence registration form;  
-  A copy of the business registration certificate; -  A copy of import contract or contract equivalent documents;  -  A copy of the commercial invoice;  -  A copy of the Letter of credit or payment documents; -  A copy of the Bill of lading.  
 
11.  Upon actual importation, an importer is required to submit the approved import licence. 
 12.  There is no licensing fee or administrative charge.  
13.  There is no deposit or advance payment requi rement associated with the issuance of licences. 
  G/LIC/N/3/VNM/1 
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  Conditions of licensing  
 
14.  A licence is valid for 30 days from the date  of issuance.  In case the licence is expired, 
importers can apply for a new automatic import licence.  
15.  There is no penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion thereof. 
 16.  Licences are not transferable between importers.  17.  There are no conditions attach ed to the issuance of a licence. 
 
Other procedural requirements
 
 
18.  No, there are not any other administrative procedures.  
19.  Foreign exchange is provided for goods to  be imported as agreed between commercial banks 
and importers.   
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