The Ministry of Industry and Trade is currently seeking public feedback on a draft decree that sets criteria for determining the origin of goods labeled as “Made in Vietnam” for circulation within the domestic market. The move is seen as a crucial step toward improving the legal framework, protecting national brands, and safeguarding consumer interests.
According to the draft, the concept of “Made in Vietnam” will be clearly defined and applied to both domestically consumed and exported goods. Key criteria include products that are processed or manufactured in Vietnam, those with a minimum proportion of domestic value-added, or goods that undergo substantial processing or manufacturing operations in the country.
The Ministry noted that the drafting process stemmed from cases where businesses exploited the ambiguity of the “Made in Vietnam” label by attaching it to imported goods. This has harmed domestic brands and eroded consumer trust. A unified set of criteria would help draw clear distinctions, prevent trade fraud, and support authorities in monitoring, inspection, and enforcement activities.
The draft also specifies a minimum domestic value-added threshold required for goods to be recognized as of Vietnamese origin. This figure will be determined based on actual production conditions, aligned with international commitments, and consistent with free trade agreements (FTAs) that Vietnam is party to.
A representative of the Ministry emphasized that once completed, the decree would foster a fair competitive environment, encourage enterprises to enhance domestic production capabilities, and protect the legitimate rights of consumers. It would also serve as a foundation to build and promote the reputation of Vietnamese goods in international markets.
Furthermore, the proposed regulations on the origin of goods circulating in the domestic market would help synchronize the legal system, prevent overlaps between existing legal documents, and bring greater transparency to commercial activities.
Currently, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is gathering feedback from industry associations, businesses, experts, and the public before finalizing the draft to submit to the Government.
Once enacted, the decree is expected to become an important legal tool to curb the misuse of the “Made in Vietnam” label and strengthen the credibility of Vietnamese goods in the eyes of both domestic and international consumers.
