VLLF

Foreign e-commerce platforms providing cross-border services in Vietnam would have to apply for a license and establish their representative offices or designate legal entities to act as their authorized representatives in Vietnam.

Those who harbor and use heated tobacco products (HTPs) and e-cigarettes would be subject to a fine of VND 1-2 million, according to the latest draft decree designed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to replace Decree No. 117 of 2020.

According to Government Decree 151 issued in 2024, detailing a number of articles of, and measures to implement, the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety, foreign visitors may drive their motor vehicles into Vietnam but must comply with specific requirements.

By June, Vietnam will complete the legal framework for the exchange of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission quotas and carbon credits, including development of mechanisms for carbon credit trading and offsetting, and establish necessary infrastructure for carbon market operations.

The Prime Minister has recently approved a decision to improve the legal system, policies, and the state management agency on atomic energy in accordance with international practices.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has requested comprehensive reports on delayed investment projects and those with challenges in order to take measures to remove the bottlenecks for immediate implementation.

Competent ministries, sectors and localities must provide care and support for workers remaining on construction sites during the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday, according to Official Dispatch 06 issued by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on January 25.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on February 4 directed ministries, agencies, local authorities, organizations, and individuals to immediately resume work after the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday.

Replacing its 2014 predecessor, the 2024 Law on Organization of People’s Courts (the Law) defines the position, functions, duties, powers and organizational structure of people’s courts. It also provides judges, assessors and other title holders in people’s courts, and assurance of operation of people’s courts.

The Government has recently decided to extend a reduction in value-added tax (VAT) for the next six months, starting from January 1 this year.

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) has released a draft Law on Science, Technology and Innovation, focusing on science and technology human resources, incentives for science and technology workers, commercialization of research outcomes, and management of state budget-funded science and technology programs and tasks.

From January 1 this year, vehicle inspection centers can be established at bus stations and rest stops, according to Government Decree 166/2024/ND-CP dated December 26, on business conditions for the operation and establishment of vehicle inspection centers.

Patients diagnosed to suffer certain rare diseases, serious diseases, or diseases requiring surgery or advanced technology application may have examination and treatment costs wholly covered by the health insurance fund at the law-specified benefit levels without having to go through hospital referral as under current regulations.

The National Assembly on November 21, 2024, passed the Law revising a number of articles of the 2016 Pharmacy Law, which is expected to create a legal corridor for the development of new pharmaceutical business methods.

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has released a draft decree revising Decree 155 of 2020 with numerous provisions regarding foreign ownership limits in public companies, a move which is expected to remove the current bottleneck for foreign investors to join and contribute to the sustainable upgrading of Vietnam’s stock market.