MOIT Tightens Rules of Origin as Trade Hits $930B
MOIT Tightens Rules of Origin Management Amidst Deepening Integration
With import-export activities achieving a robust breakthrough, requirements for managing rules of origin are escalating. The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) is deploying synchronous solutions to protect the reputation of Vietnamese goods and effectively utilize FTAs.
Record Trade Growth Demands Stricter Management The year 2025 marks a special milestone for Vietnam’s trade activities, with total import-export turnover reaching approximately 930 billion USD, an increase of 18.2% compared to 2024 (equivalent to an absolute increase of 143 billion USD).
- Export Growth: Maintained a momentum of 17%, significantly higher than many regional economies, far exceeding assigned plans, and ranking second only to the record growth of 2021 in the 2021–2025 period.
- Drivers: Growth was primarily driven by processing and manufacturing industries, contributing significantly to the recovery of domestic industrial production.
At the recent conference summarizing professional activities in 2025, Mr. Tran Thanh Hai, Deputy Director General of the Agency of Foreign Trade (MOIT), stated that the implementation of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), especially new-generation ones, continues to be effective. Exports to markets with high standards such as the EU, Canada, and Japan have all seen positive growth.
In this context, Rules of Origin (ROO) have become a key “fulcrum.”
- Incentive: It is a condition for enterprises to utilize tariff preferences.
- Barrier: It acts as a shield protecting the reputation of Vietnamese goods against the risk of origin fraud and illegal transshipment—issues increasingly monitored by import markets.
Decentralization: A Foundational Step MOIT identified strengthening state management of rules of origin as a central, cross-cutting task in 2025. A key foundational step was the decentralization and delegation of authority.
The Agency of Foreign Trade advised on the issuance of Decree No. 146/2025/ND-CP, along with Circulars No. 38/2025/TT-BCT and 40/2025/TT-BCT in June 2025, creating a legal framework for local authorities.
Since taking effect on July 1, 2025:
- 22/34 Departments of Industry and Trade (DOIT) have implemented decentralization in the field of origin.
- Most localities now handle 36 administrative procedures related to C/O (Certificate of Origin) and approval documents, reducing time and costs for businesses.
- 12 DOITs have officially transferred authority from Regional Import-Export Management Offices to the Provincial Departments, creating seamless local state management.
Simultaneously, MOIT restructured the C/O issuance system, withdrawing the right to issue certain types of certificates from VCCI and reassigning them to Regional Import-Export Management Offices to unify management and increase control/accountability.
Combating Origin Fraud: From Policy to Enforcement On a broader scale, origin management is deployed synchronously from international negotiation to domestic enforcement.
International Negotiation: MOIT actively negotiated and reviewed origin enforcement in key FTAs such as Vietnam – UAE CEPA, ASEAN – Canada FTA, and existing agreements (ATIGA, ACFTA, AIFTA). The focus remains on facilitating trade while preventing fraud.
Domestic Enforcement:
- Directive No. 09/CT-BCT (April 15, 2025): On strengthening inspection and supervision of goods origin in the new situation.
- Direct Issuance: From May 2025, MOIT directly organized the issuance of various non-preferential C/Os, CNM, and REX code registration at Regional Offices.
- Inter-ministerial Coordination: MOIT coordinated with the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Science and Technology to manage imported raw materials for export production.
- Risk Warning: Regular early warnings were issued for high-risk items regarding origin fraud and trade remedies, such as plywood, furniture, steel, and artificial stone.
Institutional Perfection At the institutional level, MOIT is finalizing the Decree guiding the Law on Foreign Trade Management regarding goods origin. Following the Deputy Prime Minister’s direction, the draft is being reviewed in close coordination with ministries, including the Ministry of Public Security, to ensure strictness and feasibility.
Conclusion In the context of exports reaching 930 billion USD, MOIT identifies rules of origin management as the key stage to protect the prestige of Vietnamese goods. Through strong decentralization, strict inspection, and enhanced fraud warnings, MOIT is building a proactive – transparent – effective management system, accompanying enterprises on the path of sustainable integration.
