7 NEW POLICIES FOR IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS IN VIETNAM FROM OCTOBER 2026

Starting in October 2026, several new regulations concerning customs procedures, the National Single Window, electronic documents, smart border gates, rice import-export activities, FDI enterprises, and port border-gate procedures will officially take effect.

Below are 7 key policy changes that businesses should review in October 2026.

1. Import-Export Procedures Through the National Single Window

Starting October 15, 2026, Decree No. 336/2026/ND-CP will officially take effect, introducing new regulations on administrative procedures for imported and exported goods, transit goods, and means of transport entering, exiting, or transiting Vietnam under the National Single Window and ASEAN Single Window mechanisms.

Under the new framework, administrative procedures will be managed and data will be exchanged through the National Single Window Portal. This includes the submission, receipt, and processing of applications, the exchange of electronic documents, and the transmission of processing results from specialized regulatory systems.

Importantly, the results of administrative procedures will be transferred to the electronic customs data processing system to support customs clearance decisions and confirmation that means of transport have completed customs procedures.

What should businesses do?

Businesses should review their:

• Customs declaration procedures;
• Electronic document exchange processes;
• Internal IT systems;
• Connectivity with relevant government electronic platforms.

Ensuring that internal systems can effectively communicate with the National Single Window will become increasingly important as customs procedures continue to move toward digitalization.

2. New Declaration Requirements for Means of Transport

Also effective October 15, 2026, Circular No. 127/2026/TT-BTC introduces requirements concerning information fields and declaration forms for means of transport entering, exiting, or transiting Vietnam.

The regulations apply to different types of transport and border gates, including:

• Seagoing vessels at seaports;
• Aircraft at airports;
• Inland waterway transport;
• Road vehicles at land border gates;
• International intermodal trains at railway border gates.

Carriers, shipping agents, airlines, logistics providers, and other parties responsible for declarations should ensure that the correct information fields and declaration forms are used for each type of transport and border gate.

In the event of a disruption to the National Single Window Portal, declarations may be submitted using paper documents in accordance with the applicable forms.

3. New Customs Management Rules at Smart Border Gates

Starting October 15, 2026, Circular No. 128/2026/TT-BTC will introduce new regulations on customs inspection, supervision, and management of goods and means of transport operating within Smart Border Gate areas.

Smart Border Gate areas are required to be equipped with management and monitoring infrastructure, including cameras, electronic barriers, electronic weighing systems, and cargo management systems connected to the electronic customs data processing system.

One important point for importers is that imported goods may be stored within a Smart Border Gate area for up to 30 days. If customs procedures have not been completed within this period, the goods owner may be subject to the applicable regulatory measures.

Businesses should also note that if goods are transferred to a different means of containment or repacked, the relevant customs authority must be notified in accordance with applicable regulations.

4. Standardization of Electronic Import-Export Documents

Effective October 15, 2026, Decision No. 1434/QD-CHQ introduces temporary regulations on data message formats for electronic documents relating to imported and exported goods.

Under these requirements, information exchanged between customs authorities and businesses during electronic document submission must comply with the prescribed data format, including the use of the JSON DataFormat standard.

This change is particularly relevant to businesses operating their own customs declaration, enterprise resource planning (ERP), or import-export data management systems.

Businesses should consider:

• Reviewing customs declaration software;
• Assessing IT infrastructure and system integration capabilities;
• Checking current data formats;
• Testing electronic data exchange with customs systems;
• Working with technology providers if system upgrades are required.

For companies handling a high volume of import-export transactions, early system preparation can help reduce the risk of technical issues during implementation.

5. New Requirements for Rice Import and Export Businesses

Starting October 1, 2026, Decree No. 365/2026/ND-CP on rice import and export business will take effect.

Under the new regulations, Vietnamese traders may engage in rice exports if they meet the applicable requirements and obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for Rice Export Business.

One of the notable requirements is that traders must have at least:

• One dedicated warehouse for storing paddy and rice; and
• One rice milling facility that complies with applicable food safety, standards, and technical regulations.

The warehouse and milling facility may be owned by the trader or leased from another organization or individual, subject to the applicable requirements.

For rice imports, businesses should also pay attention to requirements concerning the notification of rice import plans to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

6. FDI Enterprises Should Review Import, Export, and Distribution Rights

Starting October 18, 2026, Decree No. 342/2026/ND-CP will take effect, providing detailed regulations on the sale and purchase of goods and activities directly related to the sale and purchase of goods by foreign investors and foreign-invested economic organizations in Vietnam.

FDI enterprises should review their:

• Export rights;
• Import rights;
• Distribution rights;
• Permitted product categories;
• Activities subject to a Business License.

Early review can help FDI businesses identify potential compliance requirements before carrying out import-export and distribution activities under the new regulatory framework.

7. New Procedures at Port Border Gates

Starting October 1, 2026, Decree No. 289/2026/ND-CP on security and public order management at port border gates under the management of the Ministry of Public Security will take effect.

The decree covers procedures relating to:

• Persons and vessels entering, exiting, or transiting Vietnam;
• Port-to-port transfers;
• Shore leave permits for crew members;
• Permits for boarding vessels.

Carriers, shipping agents, maritime service providers, and other organizations involved in vessel operations at relevant port border gates should review their procedures and update internal processes accordingly.

WHAT SHOULD IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS PREPARE?

With several new regulations taking effect within the same month, businesses should proactively review their procedures rather than wait until operational issues arise.

The following areas should be prioritized:

01. Review customs declaration procedures and National Single Window processes.

02. Update information requirements for means of transport.

03. Check electronic document exchange and system connectivity.

04. Review customs management requirements at Smart Border Gates.

05. Check licenses and eligibility requirements for specific industries and product categories.

06. FDI enterprises should review their import, export, and distribution rights.

07. Update procedures for vessels, crew members, and other activities at port border gates.

As logistics and international trade continue to become increasingly digitalized, staying up to date with regulatory changes is not only essential for compliance but can also help businesses improve planning for customs clearance, transportation, delivery, and supply chain operations.

DOLPHIN SEA AIR – YOUR LOGISTICS PARTNER IN VIETNAM

At Dolphin Sea Air, we continuously monitor developments in customs, import-export regulations, and logistics to support businesses in managing their international supply chains more effectively.

Our integrated logistics solutions include:

• Ocean Freight
• Air Freight
• Customs Clearance & Customs Advisory
• Cross-Border Transportation
• Domestic Trucking
• Warehousing
• LCL/LTL Consolidation
• Project Logistics
• Contract Logistics

With integrated logistics solutions and a focus on operational efficiency, Dolphin Sea Air supports businesses throughout their import-export journey – from documentation and customs clearance to transportation and final delivery.

SPEEDY WITH BEST CARE

• Hotline: 1900 986813
• Website: www.dolphinseaair.com
• Email: info@dolphinseaair.com

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