When it comes to the import and export of goods, product labels are extremely important for compliance. It’s particularly vital in the labelling of pharmaceutical products and food items as they display the side effects, nutritional details, ingredients, manufacturing date, country of origin, expiry date etc to consumers.
According to a US study, 68% of consumers care for the cruelty-free origin of products and are willing to pay more. The situation is similar in all countries including Vietnam as product labels are the benchmark of consumer protection.
So, as a businessman in Vietnam, you need to keep abreast of the latest updates in goods labelling in Vietnam (Circular No. 29/2023/TT-BYT which came into effect on February 15, 2024) and make the changes to your product labels accordingly. In this article, we will take you through the labelling details necessary for imported and exported goods in Vietnam.
Before we delve deeper into the 2024 goods labelling updates, it is crucial to understand the concept of product labels, including dangerous goods labels meanings. These are specially designed tags that provide critical information about the goods and their manufacturing process, including how dangerous they are or how soon they will go stale. The labels ensure that consumers get a clear idea of the ingredients, storage conditions, usage instructions, safety warnings, and expiry date. It is also an avenue for businesses to supply information about their brand identity, like logos, mottos, taglines, or any other details that help the consumer associate the product with a particular brand.
Product labels in Vietnam need to furnish all information about the goods along with the details of the manufacturer, their address and the manufacturing date in Vietnamese language and any other additional language like English. This labelling is essential for businesses to show that they are adhering to goods safety protocols and avoid legal liabilities. It also helps a company to separate and demarcate its products from its competitors. An effective label design can easily attract customers and communicate all the necessary information about the product including its benefits, value and features.
While accurate labelling builds consumer trust and the goodwill of the company in the market, errors in the product labels can be regarded as false claims and tarnish the reputation of the company along with legal issues.
A formidable part of knowing about product labels is understanding the components of a good label. Generally, product labels are printed statements attached to the package or they can be directly imprinted on the product itself like healthcare labels.
Product labels should have the following components to be considered as a good label:
As per the updated goods labelling requirements, all product labels in Vietnam should be written in Vietnamese language (additionally English) and have the following displayed:
In case, the product labels don’t have the contact details of the foreign manufacturer, all documents supporting the information have to be attached to the goods.
On November 30, 2023, Vietnam’s Ministry of Health issued Circular 23/2023/TT-BYT, introducing important revisions to labeling requirements for pharmaceutical products.
Radioactive Pharmaceuticals
Recognizing the distinct risks and complexities associated with radioactive drugs, the Circular introduces tailored labeling guidelines. Clause 3, Article 3 permits labels and package inserts for these products to be either included with delivery documentation sent to treatment facilities or affixed to packaging used for storage and transportation—offering more practical compliance pathways in line with international handling standards.
Emergency-Use Drugs
Clause 4 provides additional flexibility for imported pharmaceuticals authorized for urgent use cases such as national defense, epidemic response, or natural disaster recovery. In these scenarios, package inserts may be affixed directly to secondary packaging, helping ensure regulatory compliance while enabling timely distribution during emergencies.
Vietnam’s Circular 23/2023/TT-BYT introduces several updates aimed at strengthening transparency, compliance, and market accessibility for pharmaceutical imports.
Vietnam’s updated regulations now require food manufacturers to provide clear and standardized nutritional information on product labels. Mandatory disclosures include energy (kcal), protein (g), carbohydrates (g), fat (g), and sodium (mg). These changes aim to support public health by empowering consumers to make more informed dietary choices.
Additional labeling requirements apply to specific product categories:
To support a smooth transition, the regulation sets a phased compliance timeline:
This regulatory shift aligns with Vietnam’s broader efforts to improve food transparency, enhance consumer trust, and standardize market practices.
The labeling of construction materials products and goods is carried out according to the provisions of Decree 43/2017/ND-CP on goods labeling; Decree 111/2021/ND-CP and Circular 18/2022/TT-BKHCN which stipulate details on certain mandatory contents displayed on labels of some groups of goods by electronic methods.
In cases where the content of labeling construction materials products and goods is specifically regulated by national technical standards, regulations, and other related legal documents, in addition to complying with the provisions of item (1), construction materials goods must be fully labeled according to the national technical standards, regulations, and corresponding legal documents.
Circular 10/2024/TT-BXD is effective from December 16, 2024.
Given that the product registration process in Vietnam is laborious and time-consuming, it is crucial to enlist the help of certified professionals skilled in navigating the complexities of goods labeling regulations. The intricate requirements for labeling products, such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare items, and dangerous goods, necessitate a thorough understanding of both domestic and international standards. Ascentium Vietnam offers comprehensive support to businesses, ensuring that your product labels are fully compliant with all regulatory requirements. Our experts stay updated with the latest changes in legislation and provide tailored advice to meet your specific needs, handling everything from initial assessments to complete redesigns and re-registrations.
By partnering with Ascentium Vietnam, you gain access to extensive experience and knowledge that can streamline the labeling process. We ensure your labels accurately reflect necessary information, helping you avoid potential fines and legal complications while building consumer trust and enhancing your brand's market presence. Our dedicated professionals are committed to making the product registration and labeling process as smooth and efficient as possible. With our support, you can focus on your core business activities, confident that your product labels meet all standards and regulations, ensuring your products are market-ready and compliant.