Mandatory information on labels in Vietnam

Mandatory information on goods labels in Vietnam (Internet image)

Regarding this issue, LawNet would like to answer as follows:

1. What is goods label?

According to Clause 1, Article 3 of Decree 43/2017/ND-CP, label means any manuscript, printed copy, drawing, photocopy of words, pictures, images that is stuck, printed, attached to, casted, or carved, a container of goods or on other kinds of materials to be attached to the goods or commercial container;

2. Mandatory information on labels in Vietnam

2.1. Goods label of goods circulated in Vietnam 

Specifically, in Clause 1, Article 10 of Decree 43/2017/ND-CP (amended in Decree 111/2021/ND-CP), goods label of goods circulated in Vietnam shall present the following contents in Vietnamese language:

- Name of the goods;

- Name and address of the entity responsible for the goods (hereinafter referred to as "responsible entity");

- Origins of goods; In case of unknown origin of good, the country in which the last stage of finishing the goods is performed;

- Other mandatory information shall be displayed on the label according to the characteristics of the goods prescribed in Appendix I issued together with this Decree and relevant regulations.

If the goods have the characteristics of multiple categories in the Appendix I issued together with this Decree and not governed by any other relevant legislative documents, the responsible for entity shall, according to the primary use of the goods, determine the suitable category of goods and include information accordingly.

If the surface area of the goods is not enough for all mandatory information on the label, the information prescribed in Points a, b, and c Clause 1 of Article 10 of Decree 43/2017/ND-CP (amended in Decree 111/2021/ND-CP) shall be given priority, the information prescribed in Point d Clause 1 of Article 10 of Decree 43/2017/ND-CP (amended in Decree 111/2021/ND-CP) shall be shown in the booklet of the goods.

This must be specified on the label.

2.2. Original label of goods imported into Vietnam

The following information on the original label of goods imported into Vietnam must be written in Vietnamese or foreign language while following customs clearance procedures:

- Name of the goods; 

- Origin of the goods; In case of unknown origin of goods, the country from which the last stage of finishing the goods is performed;

- The name or abbreviated name of the manufacturer or the entity responsible for the goods in the foreign country;

+ If the original label does not contain the full name and address of the manufacturer or the responsible for entity in the foreign country, this information shall be fully presented in the attached documents of the goods;

+ If the original labels of goods imported into Vietnam are written in a foreign language as prescribed in Points a, b, c Clause 2 of Article 10 of Decree 43/2017/ND-CP (amended in Decree 111/2021/ND-CP), after completing the customs clearance procedure and transfer goods to storage, the importer shall add Vietnamese labels as prescribed in Clause 1 of Article 10 Decree 43/2017/ND-CP (amended in Decree 111/2021/ND-CP) before putting such goods into circulation in domestic market.

2.3. Goods labels of exports to be presented according to the law of import country

According to Clause 3, Article 10 of Decree 43/2017/ND-CP, goods labels of exports shall be presented according to the law of import country.

- Information about origins written on labels of exports shall comply with the regulations prescribed in Clause 1 Article 15 of Decree 43/2017/ND-CP;

- Information on labels of exports shall comply with the regulation in Clause 2 Article 18 of Decree 43/2017/ND-CP;

3. Where are the goods labels located?

Specifically, Article 4 of Decree 43/2017/ND-CP stipulates the position of goods labels as follows:

-The label shall be put on the goods or commercial container in such a place that is easily visible, containing required information without being disassembled.

 If it is inadmissible or impossible to open the primary container, it must have a label containing mandatory information.

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