Vietnam’s new Decree 116 put in place on January 1 has raised concerns. The decree stipulates that traders are only permitted to import automobiles if they can provide valid vehicle registration certificates issued by authorities from the countries of origin.

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According to Volkswagen’s representatives, there is no such kind of certificate in Germany and they are asking the parent company for it. Meanwhile, some Japanese auto manufacturers have decided to suspend exports to Vietnam following the decree.
The issue was raised at the Dialogue between European Enterprises and the Vietnamese Government on January 22.
Tran Quang Ha, Deputy Director of the Science and Technology Department of the Ministry of Transport, said MoT’s lastest draft circular was clear on the issue. Accordingly, imported cars must come with registration certificates issued by authorities from the country of origin. Nonetheless, in case the countries of origin allow their automobile enterprises to produce certificates testifying to the products’ quality with full responsibility, the same documents would be acceptable in Vietnam.
He added that the new draft circular will also simplify inspection procedures for imported vehicles and that guidelines on applying the decree are submitted to the Ministry. However, the draft has been thoroughly reviewed and is expected to be released this week, Ha said.