DECISION 1845/QD-BCT: A MILESTONE IN VIETNAM’S EXPORT-IMPORT REFORM

MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE ANNOUNCES DECISION 1845/QD-BCT: A MILESTONE IN VIETNAM’S EXPORT-IMPORT REFORM

The Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam (MOIT) has officially issued Decision No. 1845/QD-BCT, announcing the new, revised, and supplemented administrative procedures in the field of import and export. This marks a crucial step toward improving the legal framework, streamlining administrative procedures, boosting international trade, and enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnamese enterprises.

A STRONG LEGAL FOUNDATION

According to MOIT, Decision 1845/QD-BCT was developed on a solid legal foundation, ensuring consistency, compliance, and alignment with international commitments Vietnam has signed. Key legal documents underlying this decision include:

• Decree No. 40/2025/ND-CP defining the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of MOIT;

• Decrees regulating administrative procedures: 63/2010/ND-CP, 48/2013/ND-CP, 92/2017/ND-CP;

• Decree 31/2018/ND-CP guiding the Law on Foreign Trade Management;

• Especially, Decree 146/2025/ND-CP and Circular 40/2025/TT-BCT detailing the issuance of Certificates of Origin (C/O).

This decision not only harmonizes Vietnam’s legal system but also demonstrates the government’s determination to improve the business environment, reduce administrative barriers, and create favorable conditions for export-import enterprises.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NEW PROCEDURES

One notable addition under Decision 1845/QD-BCT is the introduction of the procedure for issuing Certificates of Origin (C/O). The Export-Import Department (MOIT) or authorized provincial agencies will handle C/O issuance, a crucial document that enables enterprises to enjoy tariff preferences under free trade agreements (FTAs), thereby reducing costs and enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnamese goods internationally.

In addition, the decision revises and supplements 35 existing administrative procedures, mainly concerning C/O issuance for preferential forms like D, E, AK, CPTPP, RCEP, EUR.1, and specific forms like ICO for coffee exports or DA59 for goods exported to African markets.

Importantly, procedures related to reissuing C/Os, supportive C/Os, or approval of self-certification of origin within ASEAN have also been updated to meet the increasingly diverse and complex needs of businesses in today’s fast-changing global trade landscape.

DIGITIZATION AND FASTER PROCESSING TIME

A major highlight is the standardization and digitization of the C/O issuance process through the eCoSys electronic management system. Businesses are encouraged to submit applications online, reducing paperwork, costs, and time.

According to MOIT, processing times have been significantly shortened:

• 6 working hours for complete, valid electronic applications;

• 2 working hours for valid paper applications;

• Maximum 24 working hours for applications sent by post.

This reform is especially meaningful as businesses need to respond swiftly to international market demands while improving transparency and minimizing corruption risks in administrative procedures.

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR BUSINESSES

Decision 1845/QD-BCT opens new opportunities for businesses: faster access to tariff preferences, reduced legal risks, and enhanced international credibility. However, it also raises the bar on regulatory compliance, supply chain transparency, and documentation management.

As major export markets like the US and EU tighten rules on product origin, Vietnamese businesses must proactively increase localization rates, closely monitor production processes, and ensure that products genuinely meet “Made in Vietnam” standards.

More than just a technical adjustment, Decision 1845/QD-BCT represents a milestone in Vietnam’s reform efforts, sending a positive signal to the business community and international partners. It is a timely call for Vietnamese enterprises to transform, seize new opportunities, and strengthen their position on the global trade map.

In the coming time, MOIT also plans to expand its digital transformation efforts by integrating advanced tools like blockchain for origin traceability and AI-powered data analysis to better monitor trade flows. These innovations will help businesses not only comply with increasingly strict international standards but also gain valuable insights to optimize supply chains, reduce costs, and enhance product quality. Furthermore, the government is expected to strengthen cooperation with international trade bodies to share best practices, provide training programs, and support Vietnamese enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized ones, in adapting to global market trends and raising their competitiveness on the world stage.

Source: Vietnam Economic News