The Ministry of Industry and Trade has announced the revision and reduction of 36 import export administrative procedures, which will take effect from May 1, 2026. The move aims to reduce compliance costs, shorten processing time, and support businesses in making better use of free trade agreements. At the same time, it reflects Vietnam’s broader effort to streamline administrative processes and enhance trade efficiency as the country deepens its global integration.

1. Policy Overview: Streamlining Administrative Procedures

Under the newly issued decision, the Ministry has updated and revised a wide range of procedures within its jurisdiction to align with the latest legal frameworks. A total of 36 procedures have been amended, supplemented, or removed, improving transparency and consistency across the regulatory system.

As a result, outdated requirements are being eliminated, while the overall structure of trade administration becomes more modern and efficient. In addition, this reform supports Vietnam’s ongoing push for administrative simplification and digital transformation.

2. Key Focus: Certificate of Origin (C/O) Procedures

A central focus of the reform lies in procedures related to Certificates of Origin, which remain a critical requirement in international trade. These certificates play a key role in helping businesses access preferential tariffs under FTAs while also verifying the origin of goods.

The updated procedures apply to major trade agreements, including ASEAN, China, South Korea, and Japan. Moreover, they extend to newer frameworks such as CPTPP, RCEP, and UKVFTA, which are increasingly important for Vietnam’s export growth.

In addition, the reform addresses more complex scenarios, including reissuance, retrospective issuance, and back-to-back Certificates of Origin. It also covers goods originating from bonded warehouses and non-tariff zones, thereby reducing friction in specialized trade flows.

3. Expanding Self-Certification Mechanisms

Alongside these updates, the Ministry has revised procedures related to granting approval for businesses to self-certify the origin of goods within ASEAN. This adjustment aligns with international practices and reflects a shift toward more flexible trade facilitation models.

By enabling qualified enterprises to take a more active role, the policy reduces reliance on administrative authorities. Consequently, businesses can speed up processing time, improve responsiveness, and increase operational efficiency in cross-border trade.

4. Impact on Businesses and Trade Performance

The reform is expected to significantly reduce processing time for export-import documentation. As a result, businesses can minimize delays and improve supply chain performance.

At the same time, lower compliance costs will help ease financial pressure, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. Furthermore, improved access to tariff incentives under FTAs will enhance the competitiveness of Vietnamese goods in global markets.

In a broader context, these changes also support Vietnam’s ambition to integrate more deeply into global supply chains. A more efficient and predictable regulatory environment will play a key role in achieving this goal.

Overall, the reduction of 36 administrative procedures marks a concrete step forward in Vietnam’s reform roadmap. By simplifying key processes, particularly those related to Certificates of Origin, the Ministry is enabling businesses to unlock greater value from existing trade agreements.

In the long term, this reform will not only improve operational efficiency but also strengthen Vietnam’s position in global trade and regional supply chains.

Source: VTV

13/4/2026