How long does it take to get a Certificate of eligibility for duty-free business in tobacco in Vietnam?

1. How long does it take to get a Certificate of eligibility for duty-free business in tobacco in Vietnam?

Pursuant to Clause 3, Article 5 of Decree 100/2020/ND-CP stipulating application procedures for license to import of tobacco products for duty-free business are as follows:

a) The applicant shall submit 01 application containing the components provided for in Clause 2 herein by post or directly to the Ministry of Industry and Trade;

b) Application processing duration

Within 10 working days (based on the arrival stamp of the Ministry of Industry and Trade) starting from the date of receipt of the valid application, the Ministry of Industry and Trade shall issue the tobacco import license to the applicant. If the application is rejected, the Ministry of Industry and Trade shall provide the reason for such rejection in writing.

If the application is incomplete, within 05 working days (based on the arrival stamp of the Ministry of Industry and Trade) starting from the date of receipt of the application, the Ministry of Industry and Trade shall request the applicant to complete the application (in writing, by fax, via email, via telephone, etc.).

Thus, within 10 working days from the date of receipt of the valid application in Vietnam, the Ministry of Industry and Trade shall issue the tobacco import license to the applicant. In case the application is incomplete, within 05 working days (based on the arrival stamp of the Ministry of Industry and Trade) starting from the date of receipt of the application, the Ministry of Industry and Trade shall request the applicant to complete the application.

2. What does application for license to import of tobacco products for duty-free business in Vietnam comprise?

According to Clause 2, Article 5 of Decree 100/2020/ND-CP, there are provisions as follows:

2. An application for the license includes:

a) Official dispatch regarding application for tobacco import for selling in duty-free shops made by the applicant using Form No. 03/CV in Appendix II enclosed therewith: 01 authentic copy;

b) Certificate of eligibility for duty-free business or business registration certificate or investment certificate: 01 copy. Certificate of eligibility for duty-free business for first-time applicants: 01 copy;

c) Report on tobacco import, inventory and selling from start of year to time of application with confirmation from the customs sub-department managing the duty-free shop/duty-free goods warehouse, which is made using Form No. 04/BCNKTKTL in Appendix II enclosed therewith: 01 authentic copy.

According to this Article, an aapplication for license to import of tobacco products for duty-free business in Vietnam includes the above-said documents.

Best Regards!