The Ministry of Industry and Trade in Vietnam has taken significant steps to regulate the rice export market, following a thorough inspection of 44 rice export traders across six provinces in the Mekong Delta. This initiative, aimed at ensuring compliance with national regulations, has resulted in the revocation of multiple licenses due to non-compliance.
In April 2025, the Department of Import and Export, under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, issued ten decisions to revoke certificates of eligibility for rice export businesses. This action was part of a broader effort to enforce compliance with Decree No. 107/2018/ND-CP, which outlines the requirements for rice export operations in Vietnam.
The inspections were initiated after the Minister of Industry and Trade signed Decision No. 831/QD-BCT on March 21, 2025, establishing an inter-sectoral inspection team. This team was tasked with reviewing the rice export activities of traders in the Mekong Delta region, known for its significant rice production. The inspections were prompted by concerns raised in Official Dispatch No. 21/CD-TTg issued by the Prime Minister on March 4, 2025, which emphasized the need to ensure a balance between rice supply and demand amidst fluctuating market conditions.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha further supported this initiative by issuing Notice No. 99/TB-VPCP on March 11, 2025, which outlined conclusions from a conference focused on rice production and market stability. The inter-sectoral inspection team’s work involved checking compliance with regulations among the 44 traders located in Long An, Tien Giang, Dong Thap, Can Tho, An Giang, and Kien Giang.
As a result of these inspections, the Ministry of Industry and Trade announced its findings in Notice No. 83/TB-BCT on April 16, 2025. The Ministry reported that one decision was made to revoke a certificate of eligibility for rice export business due to a failure to maintain compliance with the law. Additionally, nine other decisions were issued to revoke certificates from traders who had not exported rice for 18 consecutive months, a stipulation outlined in Article 8 of Decree No. 107/2018/ND-CP.
This comprehensive review aims to uphold the integrity of the rice export market and ensure that only compliant traders remain in operation. Currently, there are 152 traders still licensed to conduct rice export business in Vietnam. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is committed to monitoring these traders closely to enhance the enforcement of legal regulations governing rice exports.
In the wake of these developments, the Ministry is also collaborating with local authorities and relevant state management agencies to clarify and verify information regarding the ten traders whose licenses were revoked before taking further legal action. This proactive approach reflects the government's dedication to maintaining a robust and compliant rice export sector.
Vietnam, as one of the world's leading rice exporters, has a vested interest in ensuring that its rice export operations are conducted in accordance with national laws and international standards. The recent actions taken by the Ministry of Industry and Trade highlight the importance of regulatory compliance in safeguarding the reputation and sustainability of Vietnam's rice export industry.
As the Ministry continues to oversee the activities of the remaining rice export traders, it aims to strengthen the framework for rice exports and ensure that the sector can respond effectively to both domestic and global market demands. The ongoing efforts to enforce compliance are seen as essential for the long-term viability of Vietnam's rice export economy.
