On April 15, 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam issued Directive 09/CT-BCT, aimed at strengthening state management over the inspection and supervision of goods' origin amid a complex and unpredictable international trade landscape. This directive comes at a time when the United States has implemented tariffs on various countries, including Vietnam, escalating trade tensions and leading to increased instances of trade fraud, particularly in the area of goods' origin.
As the global trade environment becomes more competitive and sensitive, the Ministry's directive seeks to promote balanced and sustainable trade while ensuring harmonious benefits between Vietnam and its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners. The directive outlines a proactive approach to adapt to the new situation, with clear objectives to minimize the impact on the production and export activities of Vietnamese enterprises.
According to the directive, the Department of Import and Export is tasked with several responsibilities. Firstly, it must study and propose amendments to legal documents regarding goods' origin to comply with the upcoming 2025 Law on Organization of the Government and the 2025 Law on Organization of Local Government. The department is also responsible for ensuring a smooth transition in the issuance of Certificates of Origin (C/O) to avoid interruptions for businesses, particularly in light of the new regulatory framework.
The directive emphasizes the need for the Department of Import and Export to collaborate with the General Department of Customs (Ministry of Finance) to enhance the assessment, supervision, and inspection of goods' origin for imported products, especially raw materials used in export production. This collaboration is crucial to ensure that the origin of goods is accurately verified and that any fraudulent practices are swiftly addressed.
Furthermore, the directive instructs C/O issuing agencies to intensify their efforts in the issuance and inspection of C/Os. This includes determining origin criteria based on specific product rules derived from imported raw materials. In cases where illegal transshipment is suspected, the directive calls for specific measures to be proposed to combat such practices, thereby protecting the reputation and interests of Vietnamese export goods.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien has urged relevant units and agencies to implement nine key tasks to ensure the successful execution of the directive. These tasks include a thorough review of current legal documents concerning goods' origin, the establishment of a robust monitoring system for input materials, and the enhancement of food safety and quality standards in line with importing countries' requirements.
In addition to addressing the regulatory aspects, the directive also emphasizes the importance of market supervision. The Domestic Market Management Department is tasked with strengthening inspections to detect and address illegal goods, particularly those with unclear origins that are used for export production. This proactive measure aims to uphold the integrity of Vietnam's export market and ensure compliance with international standards.
Moreover, the Ministry has assigned the Legal Department to work closely with the Department of Import and Export to refine legal provisions and propose mechanisms for C/O issuance that are suitable for the evolving trade environment. This collaboration is essential to ensure that Vietnam's trade practices align with international commitments and safeguard the interests of domestic businesses.
As part of the directive's implementation, the Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy is also tasked with upgrading and enhancing the features of the eCoSys platform to facilitate the effective issuance of non-preferential C/Os. This digital transformation is expected to streamline administrative processes and improve efficiency for businesses seeking C/O certifications.
The directive not only addresses the immediate challenges posed by the current trade climate but also aims to position Vietnam favorably in the global market. By fostering a transparent and reliable system for verifying the origin of goods, the Ministry of Industry and Trade hopes to mitigate risks associated with trade fraud and enhance the competitiveness of Vietnamese exports.
As the directive takes effect immediately, stakeholders across various sectors are encouraged to engage actively in its implementation. The Ministry's call for collaboration among ministries, industry associations, and export manufacturers underscores the collective responsibility to uphold the integrity of Vietnam's trade practices.
In summary, Directive 09/CT-BCT represents a significant step towards reinforcing Vietnam's trade framework in response to the complexities of the global market. By prioritizing transparency, compliance, and proactive measures against fraud, the Ministry of Industry and Trade aims to create a robust environment for sustainable trade growth.
