On December 2, 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) of Vietnam officially issued Circular 61/2025/TT-BCT. This landmark regulation provides detailed instructions on applying the tariff quota imports from Laos framework, fulfilling the commitments outlined in the Trade Agreement between the two governments for the crucial period of 2025–2030.

This information is essential for businesses operating in Vietnam’s agriculture, food processing, and tobacco industries. A comprehensive understanding of the new tariff quota imports from the Lao regime is critical for optimizing supply chain strategies, ensuring compliance, and capitalizing on the preferential special import duty rates offered under the agreement.

I. Scope and Strategic Context of Circular 61/2025/TT-BCT

1. Products Subject to Tariff Quota

The circular specifically targets goods originating from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic that qualify for special preferential import duties when entering Vietnam:

• Leaf Tobacco (HS Code 24.01)
• Rice (HS Code 10.06)
• Sugar and Related Products (HS Code 17.01)

The scope applies to all traders seeking to import these goods under the tariff quota, as well as relevant organizations and individuals involved in the process.

2. Duration and Effectivity

The Circular takes effect from the date of its signing and remains valid until February 24, 2030. This extended timeframe provides certainty and stability for traders to plan their import and production schedules over the next several years.

II. Detailed Annual Quota Volumes for Imports from Laos

1. Rice Import Quota

Source: VnEconomy

• Annual Quota: 70,000 tons.
• HS Codes: Includes 03 detailed 8-digit HS lines under HS 10.06.
• Significance: This substantial quota volume supports Vietnam’s strategy to diversify its rice supply sources and significantly contributes to Laos’s agricultural export capacity.

2. Leaf Tobacco Import Quota

• Annual Quota: 3,000 tons.
• This volume is calculated within the overall tariff quota applicable to WTO members, as announced annually by the MOIT.
• HS Codes: Includes 13 detailed 8-digit HS lines under HS 24.01.

3. Sugar and Related Products Import Quota

Source: Viet Nam News

• Annual Quota: Determined as a portion of the total national tariff quota applicable to WTO members.
• HS Codes: Includes 05 detailed 8-digit HS lines under HS 17.01.

III. Allocation Methods for Tariff Quota Imports from Laos

A key aspect of Circular 61 is the differentiated allocation mechanism for each product, ensuring efficient management and adherence to specific sectoral objectives.

Analysis of Allocation Methods:

• Automatic Deduction for Rice: This method streamlines administrative procedures, allowing for faster customs clearance and greater operational flexibility for traders, as the quota is automatically reduced upon declaration until the limit is reached.
• Import Licensing for Leaf Tobacco: Given the sensitive nature of tobacco, strict control remains necessary. Licensing ensures that the quota benefits are limited to entities serving Vietnam’s domestic manufacturing sector.
• Auction for Sugar: The auction mechanism promotes fairness, transparency, and economic efficiency in quota distribution. Prioritizing users of sugar as raw material supports key downstream manufacturing industries.

Circular 61/2025/TT-BCT is a vital legal document reinforcing the strategic trade relationship between Vietnam and Laos. By clearly defining the quantitative limits and the transparent allocation methods for tariff quota imports from Laos, the Circular not only enables Vietnamese businesses to secure stable raw material supplies at competitive costs but also promotes sustained economic growth for both nations throughout the 2025–2030 period. Traders are strongly advised to meticulously review the associated annexes and procedures to fully capitalize on these trade benefits.

Source: Vietnam Logistics Information Portal

12/12/2025