Vietnam's new customs law: must every e-commerce parcel be declared, and do foreign sellers need e-ID?
Answer
Vietnam's amended customs law (Law No. 11/2026/QH16, passed 2026-08-23, in force 2027-03-01, not yet in force) adds Article 16a: goods imported or exported through e-commerce platforms must go through customs procedures and are subject to customs checks; organisations and individuals in Vietnam buying or selling with foreign parties via platforms must complete electronic identification; platforms must connect to the customs e-commerce data system. The law does not say whether foreign sellers need e-ID; the government will issue detailed rules, which we have not found yet.
- Applies to
- Sellers shipping to Vietnam through e-commerce platforms.
Rules at a glance
| Item | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Law | Law No. 11/2026/QH16, passed 2026-08-23, in force 2027-03-01 | Vietnam Official Gazette |
| Art. 16a(1) | Goods imported or exported via e-commerce platforms must clear customs and are subject to customs checks | Ministry of Industry and Trade logistics portal |
| Art. 16a(2) | Organisations and individuals in Vietnam trading with foreign parties via platforms must complete e-ID; platforms connect to the customs data system | Same |
| Art. 16a(4) | The government sets the detailed rules | Same |
What you can do yourself
- Before 2027-03-01, watch for the government's implementing decree.
- If you sell on Vietnamese platforms, follow platform notices on buyer e-ID and customs data links.
- Allow for longer clearance times for Vietnamese buyers in your quotes.
When to use a licensed professional
- Once the detailed rules are out, if you have a Vietnamese company or large sales to Vietnam, talk to a Vietnamese customs agent or lawyer.
Check before you pay, and warning signs
- Claims that "Vietnam already requires foreign sellers to verify" should come with the decree text.
Unknowns
- Current practice before 2027-03-01: not covered by this article; not checked.
- Implementing decree, thresholds and process: not found.
- Full Gazette text: only the Gazette listing and a government portal reprint were seen.
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