Notice No. 197/TB-BCT dated May 06, 2011 of the Ministry of Industry and Trade on import of wine, cosmetics and mobile phones

FROM JUNE 1ST, ALLOW TO IMPORT MOBILE PHONES, COSMETICS AND WINES AT 3 PORTS

On May 06, 2011, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued the Notice No. 197/TB-BCT on import of wine, cosmetics and mobile phones In order to save consumer’s benefits and health and prohibit illegal import of fake and low-quality goods as well as to strengthen against commercial fraud.

Accordingly, Beside current regulations on import, the Ministry of Industry and Trade guide more about import procedures on wine, cosmetics and mobile phones, except for importer’s accompanied baggage, Traders are only allowed to make import and clearance procedures at international ports such as: Hai Phong, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City.

Beside documents submitted for custom agencies when making import procedure under current regulations, traders have to present Assignment Document or Letter of Attorney as the formal distributor and importer for production and business or agency contracts of the producer of those goods. These documents are consularly legalizated by Vietnam representative of oversea diplomatic agencies.

According tom some enterprise’s opinions in these industry, this new regulations will make them more difficult in making import procedure, because these goods were mainly imported vie roads and airways previously, the transportation by seaways takes time and transportation time to Vietnam is longer, so the quality is also effected as well. Besides, confirmation of Vietnam diplomatic representatives is required when making import procedure, as the result, the cost will be higher if don’t want to mention about the ability in price fluctuation of this goods next time.

Some specialists confirm that, the regulation issuance is aimed to restrict excess of import under Government’s policy; however the Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Bien explains that this regulation focuses on commercial frauds, not restricting excess of import.