Vietnam Import Rules Are Changing in September
International shipping rules are always evolving, and shoppers shipping packages to Vietnam should keep a new regulatory update on their radar.
Beginning September 5, 2026, Vietnam's Decree No. 292/2026/ND-CP, or Decree 292, will take effect and introduce updated requirements under the country's Law on Foreign Trade Management.
While many provisions primarily affect businesses involved in specialized import, export, manufacturing, and transshipment activities, the new framework also includes changes involving restricted goods and import documentation.
Here's what MyUS members shipping packages to Vietnam should know.
What Is Vietnam's Decree 292?
Vietnam's government issued Decree No. 292/2026/ND-CP on July 22, 2026, with the new rules taking effect on September 5, 2026.
The decree replaces Decree No. 69/2018/ND-CP, which has governed several aspects of Vietnam's foreign trade framework since 2018.
Decree 292 provides updated guidance on several areas of international trade, including:
- Temporary imports for re-export
- Temporary exports for re-import
- Processing and manufacturing arrangements involving foreign traders
- Transshipment activities
- Goods prohibited from import or export
- Certificate of Free Sale requirements for certain goods.
For businesses operating international supply chains, the decree introduces several significant compliance changes. For everyday international shoppers, the immediate effects may be less extensive, but knowing about Vietnam's changing import framework can help you prepare your shipments correctly.
What's Changing on September 5, 2026?
Decree 292 doesn't introduce a single change. Instead, Vietnam is updating several parts of its foreign trade system at the same time.
Temporary Import and Re-Export Rules Are Getting Stricter
Decree 292 establishes clearer restrictions for goods temporarily imported into Vietnam before being exported again.
Under the new rules, each qualifying shipment can receive no more than two extensions to its permitted temporary import or temporary export period.
Goods handled under these arrangements also cannot undergo changes to their basic form, intended use, or fundamental characteristics, and they cannot be used to create other goods.
This provision will generally be more relevant to commercial operators and specialized supply chains than to a MyUS member purchasing goods from a U.S. retailer for personal use.
Vietnam Is Tightening Rules for Processing and Manufacturing
The decree also updates requirements for processing agreements between Vietnamese businesses and foreign traders.
Among the areas receiving greater attention are:
- Bills of materials
- Changes to materials used during production
- Material loss and waste rates
- Excess materials and finished products
- Handling of remaining materials when a processing contract ends
These rules are particularly important for manufacturers and companies using Vietnam as part of an international production or supply chain.
For consumers, the changes are unlikely to directly change how a typical online shopping package is delivered. However, they demonstrate Vietnam's broader push toward stronger documentation and oversight of foreign trade activities.
Transshipment Opportunities Are Expanding
Not every change under Decree 292 adds restrictions.
The decree expands the scope of transshipment activities available to certain foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises.
Under the updated framework, qualifying FDI enterprises can participate in transshipment arrangements where goods move directly from an exporting country to an importing country without passing through a Vietnamese border gate.
This is primarily a business-to-business logistics change, not something individual MyUS shoppers will need to manage.
Vietnam Is Also Updating Its List of Prohibited Goods
This is one area MyUS members should pay close attention to when shopping internationally.
Decree 292 supplements Vietnam's list of goods prohibited from import and/or export. Newly addressed categories include items such as:
- Electronic cigarettes
- Heated tobacco products
- Certain rough diamonds
- Goods manufactured or produced wholly or partially through forced labor
A product being available from a U.S. retailer does not automatically mean that it can legally be imported into Vietnam.
Before purchasing an item for international delivery, shoppers should always check whether the product is prohibited or restricted in the destination country.
New Certification of Free Sale Requirements
Decree 292 also introduces updated requirements concerning Certificates of Free Sale (CFS).
A Certificate of Free Sale is a document that may be required for certain regulated products to demonstrate that the product is legally sold or distributed in its country of origin.
Under the new rules, a CFS submitted for imported goods must be issued in English. If it is issued in another language, the importing trader must translate it into Vietnamese and have it certified.
Not every international shipment requires a Certificate of Free Sale. Requirements can depend on the type of product being imported and applicable Vietnamese regulations.
Members purchasing regulated products should therefore pay close attention to any additional documentation requirements that may apply before shipping.
How Could Decree 292 Affect MyUS Shipments to Vietnam?
For most MyUS members purchasing ordinary consumer goods from U.S. retailers, Decree 292 does not mean that every package will suddenly face a new fee or a completely different customs process on September 5.
Instead, members should be aware that Vietnam is implementing a broader update to its foreign trade rules.
Depending on what you're shipping, potential effects could include:
Additional Attention to Import Documentation
Accurate descriptions and documentation are already an important part of international shipping.
As Vietnam strengthens parts of its foreign trade framework, accurate information about your shipment's contents and value remains essential.
Avoid vague descriptions such as "accessories," "parts," or "gift" when you have more specific product information.
Restricted Items Could Be Stopped
Vietnamese customs authorities may stop goods that are prohibited or subject to import restrictions.
Before sending a package, check whether your item is permitted for import into Vietnam and whether you need additional permits or documentation.
Some Shipments Could Require Additional Review
Packages containing regulated products or goods requiring supporting documentation may take longer to clear customs if authorities need additional information.
Customs clearance times can vary based on the product, shipment documentation, carrier, and decisions made by Vietnamese customs authorities.
Preparing your shipment correctly can help reduce avoidable delays.
How to Prepare Your MyUS Shipment to Vietnam
If you're planning to shop from U.S. stores and ship your purchases to Vietnam, a little preparation can go a long way.
Check prohibited and restricted items before buying.
Make sure the product can legally be imported into Vietnam before sending it to your MyUS address.
Provide accurate product information.
Clear product descriptions and accurate values can help customs authorities understand what is inside your shipment.
Keep your purchase documentation.
Invoices, order confirmations, and other supporting documents may be useful if customs or the carrier requests additional information.
Check whether your product requires special documentation.
Certain regulated goods may require permits, certificates, or other documentation before they can be imported.
Allow additional time when necessary.
When major customs or trade regulations change, businesses and government agencies may need time to adjust their procedures. Some affected shipments could experience additional processing while new requirements are implemented.
Can I Still Ship Packages to Vietnam with MyUS?
Yes. Decree 292 does not ban international packages from entering Vietnam.
MyUS members can continue shopping from eligible U.S. retailers and shipping eligible products to Vietnam.
The key point is that destination-country rules ultimately determine whether a particular product can be imported and what documentation may be required.
What MyUS Members Should Remember
Vietnam's Decree 292 represents a significant modernization of the country's foreign trade rules, but its effects will vary depending on the type of shipment.
Many of the biggest changes concern businesses involved in manufacturing, processing, temporary imports and exports, and transshipment. For international shoppers, the most important takeaway is simpler: know what you're shipping, provide accurate information, and check Vietnam's import restrictions before sending your package.
Decree 292 takes effect on September 5, 2026, so members shipping to Vietnam should keep the new framework in mind when preparing future shipments.
MyUS will continue helping members navigate international shipping so you can shop your favorite U.S. stores and ship your purchases around the world with confidence.
This article is provided for informational purposes only. Import requirements can change, and customs authorities make the final determination regarding admissibility, documentation, duties, taxes, and clearance of imported goods.