New decree expected to halt temporary import violations

Goods temporarily imported for re-export can be kept in Vietnam for no more than 60 days from the date of completion of customs formalities, according to a new Government decree.

Decree 69/2018/ND-CP, issued by the Government, details a number of articles of the Law on Foreign Trade Management, which lays down rules on the temporary import and re-export of goods.

In cases where it is necessary to extend the time limit, businesses must send written requests for extension to the customs sub-departments which carry out the temporary import procedures. The duration of each extension shall not exceed 30 days and not more than two extensions may be granted per batch of goods temporarily imported for re-export.

Upon expiry of the 60-day limit, businesses are required to re-export the goods out of Vietnam or destroy them. In case they want to import into Vietnam, they must abide by regulations on the management of imported goods, as well as tax.

Deputy Minister of Agricultural and Rural Development Tran Thanh Nam said that while it had positive effects on border economic development, the temporary import and re-export of agricultural products also had its share of flaws, sometimes "strangling" domestic production.

Nam said in many cases of temporary import for re-export, after being imported, goods were unloaded and divided into small packages to sell to the market.

"Such consumption is not in accordance with international trade conventions, so the detection of violations will negatively affect the prestige of agricultural products from Vietnam," Nam said.

The storage period is long, while the enterprises are allowed to remove the goods from the customs control area and take responsibility for preservation of the status quo during the storage period. This is a loophole for enterprises to violate the regulations.

Many agro-forestry and fishery products temporarily imported for re-export are on the list of goods banned from import and domestic consumption. However, some of these products find their way to the market and end up being consumed. Their untaxed status means they are cheaper than general market prices, which has a negative impact on the domestic market and creates a price war for Vietnamese goods.

Nam said the Minister of Agricultural and Rural Development urged the Prime Minister in mid-2017 to temporarily suspend the temporary import and re-export of meat products and animal organs. In the long run, however, the ministry needed to come up with a comprehensive assessment of the impact of the temporary importation and re-export of frozen food items to the nation’s economic and social interests, he said.

It is also necessary to have an accurate view of the impact of this activity on the market to ensure food safety and production for Vietnamese consumers, Nam said.

According to Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Quoc Khanh, temporary import for re-export is recognised and permitted under Vietnamese law. The activity is still under the management of the ministry in accordance with the provisions of the Commerce Law, the Foreign Trade Management Law, relevant guiding documents, and the direction of the Prime Minister, Khanh said.

“In the process of management, all comments will be studied and received by the ministry, and will be finalised or submitted to the competent authorities to complete the relevant regulations,” Khanh said. 

A corner of Chua Ve Port in the northern city of Hai Phong(Photo: VNA)

A corner of Chua Ve Port in the northern city of Hai Phong(Photo: VNA)

VNA

Other News

Vietnam accelerates innovation to boost growth, competitiveness

Vietnam accelerates innovation to boost growth, competitiveness

By 2030, Vietnam aims to rank among the world’s top 40 in the GII; raise total social investment in R&D to at least 2% of GDP, with non-State funding accounting for over 60%; increase international scientific publications by an average of 10% annually; and raise the number of patent applications and granted patents by an average of 16-18% annually.

Vietnam sees high growth prospects

Vietnam sees high growth prospects

Experts from the Institute of Vietnam and World Economy under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences noted the quality of recent growth as the high growth rate has been recorded against an increasingly higher comparative base.

Vietnam seeks bigger share of global Halal market

Vietnam seeks bigger share of global Halal market

Vietnam's Halal exports remain modest at around 900 million USD a year, accounting for less than 1% of the global market. Most exports are still raw agricultural and seafood products. Only around 1,000–1,300 Vietnamese businesses obtained or maintained Halal certification during 2024–2026.

Hanoi sets up inter-agency mechanism to operate carbon market

Hanoi sets up inter-agency mechanism to operate carbon market

Under a decision of the municipal People’s Committee on establishing an inter-agency working group, departments and agencies are responsible for identifying facilities subject to greenhouse gas inventories, developing emissions-reduction plans and studying projects capable of generating carbon credits.

Shrimp exports reach 3.3 billion USD in eight months

Shrimp exports reach 3.3 billion USD in eight months

According to data from the Vietnam Customs cited by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), shrimp exports reached 478.5 million USD in August, up 4.2% from the same month last year. The eight-month total stood at 3.3 billion USD, representing a year-on-year increase of 12%.

Russian investors explore opportunities in Vietnam's real estate market

Russian investors explore opportunities in Vietnam's real estate market

Vietnam is seen as a potential market, with considerable room for growth in real estate, particularly commercial property, compared with some regional markets. Strong Vietnam-Russia ties and opportunities to establish foreign-invested enterprises are also considered favourable for Russian investors.

Phu Quoc airport planning adjusted to serve APEC 2027

Phu Quoc airport planning adjusted to serve APEC 2027

For 2021-2030, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam proposed bringing forward the investment in a parallel taxiway system and a connecting taxiway north of Runway No. 2 at Phu Quoc International Airport, in order to connect with the aircraft maintenance and repair facility (hangar) planned for the northern area of ​​the airport.

Policy, infrastructure emerge as new advantages in FDI attraction

Policy, infrastructure emerge as new advantages in FDI attraction

From policy and infrastructure to industrial real estate, Vietnam’s FDI advantages are broadening towards a more integrated production ecosystem, offering investors a stronger combination of conditions for high-value, technology-intensive and long-term projects.

Logistics upgrade vital to 1-trillion-USD trade target: experts

Logistics upgrade vital to 1-trillion-USD trade target: experts

As trade expands, systemic bottlenecks across transport networks, warehousing, ports, border gates, and industrial zones are becoming more apparent. Experts emphasise the need to shift from a fragmented, project-by-project approach toward strategic management structured around trade corridors and integrated supply chains.

Ample room for Vietnam, US to deepen cooperation

Ample room for Vietnam, US to deepen cooperation

Do Ngoc Hung, Trade Counsellor and head of the Vietnam Trade Office in the US, said what stands out is not only the growth in trade volume but also the increasingly deep economic ties between the two countries.

Flexible fiscal policy helps drive economic growth

Flexible fiscal policy helps drive economic growth

According to the Ministry of Finance, State budget revenue in the first eight months of 2026 was estimated at 2.02 quadrillion VND (77.7 billion USD), equivalent to 80% of the annual estimate and up 16% year-on-year. Domestic revenue reached 1.75 quadrillion VND, accounting for 86.6% of total revenue and rising 16.6%.

Electronic components are produced at a factory in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi's imports surge 41% in first eight months of 2026

Hanoi aims to achieve average annual export growth of at least 12% during 2026-30, with the city seeking to diversify export markets, boost high-tech and value-added products and reduce reliance on traditional markets.