CaliToday (24/9/2025):
HANOI – Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) is seeking feedback from various ministries and agencies on a draft decree aimed at establishing clear, official criteria for goods to be labeled as "Made in Vietnam" for domestic circulation.
 |
| In recent years, there has been an increasing trend of trade fraud through incorrect labeling of goods as being produced in Việt Nam. |
The move is a direct response to the rising problem of commercial fraud, where foreign-made goods are being illegally labeled as Vietnamese to mislead consumers and damage the reputation of authentic domestic products.
Defining "Made in Vietnam"
The draft decree outlines two primary pathways for a product to qualify for the coveted "Made in Vietnam" label:
Wholly Obtained or Produced in Vietnam: The product must be entirely produced from raw materials sourced within the country. This applies mainly to agricultural products, minerals, and other natural goods.
Substantial Transformation: The product uses imported materials but undergoes significant processing or manufacturing in Vietnam. This process must be substantial enough to fundamentally change the nature and characteristics of the goods, a principle widely used in international trade rules of origin.
Under the proposed regulations, businesses can voluntarily choose from several phrases to indicate Vietnamese origin, such as 'Product of Vietnam,' 'Made in Vietnam,' 'Manufactured in Vietnam,' 'Country of Origin: Vietnam,' or 'Produced by Vietnam.'
However, this self-declaration comes with a crucial responsibility. Once a product is labeled, the enterprise must be prepared to prove the validity of its origin claim when requested by state management agencies.
Tackling a Growing Problem
In recent years, the "Made in Vietnam" label has become increasingly associated with quality and has gained significant trust among domestic consumers. This positive reputation, however, has been exploited by fraudulent actors.
A growing number of imported goods, or products with minimal processing done abroad, are being illegally affixed with "Made in Vietnam" labels. This practice is designed to deceive buyers, leveraging the goodwill of Vietnamese brands to sell substandard or foreign products at a premium.
This fraudulent labeling has a multi-pronged negative impact:
It directly harms consumers who believe they are supporting domestic industry and purchasing a quality product.
It damages domestic manufacturing sectors by creating unfair competition.
It erodes the credibility and competitiveness of genuine "Made in Vietnam" goods, both at home and potentially in export markets.
Creating a Transparent Business Environment
The Ministry of Industry and Trade asserts that establishing these clear criteria will create a more transparent and equitable business environment. Finalizing the rules for determining Vietnamese origin will help minimize disputes between producers and consumers and provide a clear legal basis for state agencies to handle violations.
"The issuance of this decree will create a more transparent business environment, provide a better management tool, and ensure the rights of consumers are protected," the MoIT stated.
The ministry also believes this will encourage domestic enterprises to enhance their production capacity, improve management standards, and strengthen their responsibility in protecting their own brands and trademarks. By ensuring that labeling is clear, public, and accountable, the government aims to bolster the value and integrity of the "Made in Vietnam" brand for years to come.
