REGULATIONS ON ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES IN THE CUSTOMS SECTOR UNDER DECREE 169/2026/NĐ-CP

The new Decree will directly impact customs declaration activities, document processing, and legal compliance for import-export businesses in the coming period.

1. Effective Date of Decree 169/2026/NĐ-CP

According to the new regulation:

The issuance of the new Decree aims to:

• Update penalty regulations in line with actual operational conditions
• Enhance consistency in Customs management
• Improve the enforcement mechanism for violations in import-export activities
• Strengthen business compliance

2. Important Transitional Provisions

One of the most important points businesses should pay attention to is the transitional provision for violations occurring before Decree 169 officially takes effect.

This regulation helps ensure:

• Fairness in handling violations
• Application of more favorable regulations for businesses under the law
• Reduced risk of penalties that are no longer suitable under the new regulations

3. What Should Businesses Prepare?

To minimize risks during the transition period of the new Decree, businesses should proactively:

• Review internal Customs declaration procedures
• Check pending or unfinished Customs dossiers and declarations
• Update new penalty regulations for import-export and compliance teams
• Train employees involved in Customs operations
• Coordinate with customs brokers and logistics providers to minimize declaration errors

Early preparation will help businesses:

4. Reference Documents

5. Perspective from THT Cargo Logistics

The issuance of Decree 169/2026/NĐ-CP reflects the increasing trend toward stricter management and stronger compliance requirements in Customs and import-export activities.

As the legal framework continues to evolve, businesses should proactively update new regulations and standardize declaration procedures to minimize operational risks during customs clearance.

THT Cargo Logistics currently supports businesses in:

• Reviewing Customs compliance
• Checking Customs dossiers and declaration procedures
• Providing consultation on Customs violation-related issues
• Supporting updates on new import-export regulations

Visits: 12

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OFFICIAL LETTER 16499 GUIDELINES ON IMPORTED GOODS LABELING SIZE REQUIREMENTS IN 2026

The new guidance clarifies important requirements regarding label size, font size, and the display of mandatory information on imported goods labels, especially for products with small packaging or limited labeling space.

1. Businesses Are Allowed to Determine Label Size Independently

According to the new guidance, businesses are allowed to independently determine:

• The size of product labels
• The font size displayed on labels

However, label design and information presentation must still fully comply with current legal requirements.

This regulation provides businesses with greater flexibility in packaging design and information arrangement for different product categories.

2. Regulations for Small-Sized Goods or Packaging

For goods or packaging with limited size, Customs authorities allow businesses to apply more flexible methods for displaying information.

This regulation helps businesses handle products more flexibly in cases such as:

• Small-sized products
• Packaging with limited printing space
• Specialized equipment or technical components

3. Minimum Font Size Requirements on Labels

According to Official Letter 16499/CHQ-GSQL, the minimum font size requirement for mandatory information on goods labels is specified as follows:

Businesses should pay particular attention to:

• Ensuring information is clearly readable by the naked eye
• Avoiding excessively small fonts that make information difficult to identify
• Ensuring consistency between label information and import documentation

4. Practical Notes for Import Businesses

During actual implementation, businesses should proactively review:

• Current product label designs
• The ability to display all mandatory information on packaging
• The consistency between actual labels and import documentation
• The use of electronic labels or accompanying documents for small-sized products

Standardizing product labels early will help businesses:

5. Perspective from THT Cargo Logistics

The new guidance under Official Letter 16499/CHQ-GSQL reflects an increasing focus on transparency and traceability in imported goods labeling management.

For import-export businesses, especially FDI enterprises or companies importing consumer goods, technical equipment, and electronic components, reviewing product labeling requirements from the purchasing and packaging design stage can significantly reduce risks during Customs procedures.

THT Cargo Logistics currently supports businesses in:

• Reviewing imported goods labeling regulations
• Checking label compliance with Customs documentation
• Providing import compliance consulting services
• Supporting businesses in handling label inspection issues

Visits: 15

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SUMMARY OF UPDATED CUSTOMS UNIT CODE CHANGES EFFECTIVE FROM JUNE 1, 2026

These changes will officially take effect from June 1, 2026 across all electronic Customs systems and will directly impact customs declaration processes, registration procedures, and system operations for import-export enterprises, warehouse operators, and port businesses.

1. Official Application of New Customs Unit Codes from June 1, 2026

According to the latest guidance from the Customs Department, the entire Customs system will transition to a synchronized application of new Customs unit codes under the Regional Customs management model.

The objectives of this update include:

• Standardizing the Regional Customs management model
• Enhancing data synchronization across Customs systems
• Optimizing Customs operational management and processing
• Reducing overlapping Customs unit codes during declaration procedures

2. Specific Update for Dong Nai Port Customs Branch

For Dong Nai Port Customs Branch, businesses should pay special attention to the following important changes:

3. Important Notes During VNACCS/VCIS Declaration Process

During the transition period, the electronic Customs system will maintain parallel operation of both old and new Customs codes to support businesses in processing pending operations.

However, businesses should pay particular attention to the following:

• Do not register new declarations using old Customs codes after the official implementation date.
• Proactively review:
  • Internal declaration systems
  • Current Customs code lists in use
  • ERP/WMS software integration (if applicable)
  • Data connections with forwarders, warehouses, and ports

Using incorrect Customs unit codes may result in:

• Errors during declaration registration
• Delays in Customs processing
• Disruptions to customs clearance schedules
• Additional amendment procedures

4. Reference Documents

5. Recommendations from THT Cargo Logistics

THT recommends that businesses proactively:

• Review all Customs unit codes currently used in internal systems
• Update information promptly on VASSCM and related systems
• Coordinate with logistics teams, customs brokers, and IT departments to ensure a smooth transition process
• Carefully verify Customs unit codes before registering new declarations after June 1, 2026

Early preparation will help businesses minimize declaration disruptions and ensure stable import-export operations during the Customs system transition period.

Visits: 11

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The post UPDATED GUIDELINES ON DECLARING CHEMICAL COMPONENTS FOR IMPORT & EXPORT GOODS UNDER OFFICIAL LETTER 16292/CHQ-GSQL appeared first on THT Cargo Logistics.

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CASE STUDY: STORING USED CONTAINER GANTRY CRANES IN A BONDED WAREHOUSE FOR RE-EXPORT

However, due to the specialized nature of this type of cargo, many businesses encounter difficulties in determining applicable trade policies, customs documentation requirements, and practical implementation plans at ports and bonded warehouses.

In this article, THT Cargo Logistics shares practical insights through a case study involving the placement of used container gantry cranes into a bonded warehouse pending re-export.

1. The Business Challenge

For shipments involving used project machinery, especially oversized and overweight equipment, businesses typically need to address three key requirements simultaneously:

This is why shipments of this nature require not only a team with strong customs expertise but also a logistics provider with practical experience in handling project cargo operations.

2. Legal Basis for Goods Stored in Bonded Warehouses for Re-Export

According to Official Dispatch No. 14808/CHQ-GSQL issued by the Customs Department regarding customs procedures for used container gantry cranes placed in bonded warehouses, goods imported from abroad and stored in bonded warehouses pending export to a third country are subject to regulations governing goods stored in bonded warehouses.

This Official Dispatch was issued by the Customs Department on April 3, 2026, according to information published on the Vietnam Customs Portal.

Regarding foreign trade management policies, Clause 2, Article 57 of the Law on Foreign Trade Management, as referenced in Official Dispatch No. 14808/CHQ-GSQL, provides that foreign trade management measures are generally not applied to goods moved from overseas into separate customs areas, except for measures such as import prohibitions, temporary import suspensions, or quarantine requirements.

The Official Dispatch also refers to Point c, Clause 2, Article 85 of Decree No. 08/2015/ND-CP, as amended and supplemented by Decree No. 167/2025/ND-CP, which allows goods from overseas to be brought into bonded warehouses while awaiting export to a third country.

Therefore, these goods may be placed in a bonded warehouse for temporary storage and subsequently exported in their original condition to a third country, provided they are not intended for importation into the Vietnamese domestic market.

Regarding customs procedures, the Official Dispatch instructs that implementation shall follow Clause 1, Article 91 of Circular No. 38/2015/TT-BTC, as amended and supplemented by Circular No. 39/2018/TT-BTC and Circular No. 121/2025/TT-BTC.

3. Important Considerations During Implementation

For used container gantry cranes, both documentation preparation and on-site operations should be carefully planned from the very beginning. Key considerations include:

4. THT Cargo Logistics’ Practical Project Execution Capabilities

With extensive experience in handling project machinery cargo, THT Cargo Logistics provides end-to-end logistics solutions for shipments requiring high standards of compliance, scheduling, and operational safety.

The categories of cargo that THT has experience handling include:

For container gantry crane shipments, THT not only supports businesses with documentation preparation and customs declarations but also participates from the earliest planning stages, including site surveys, transportation planning, lifting equipment arrangements, on-site supervision, bonded warehouse coordination, and re-export schedule monitoring.

5. Recommended Implementation Process

To ensure that shipments are handled in compliance with regulations and delivered according to schedule, THT Cargo Logistics follows a coordinated multi-department implementation process.

Step 1: Collect Shipment Information

THT gathers detailed information regarding the equipment, cargo condition, dimensions, weight, port of arrival, intended bonded warehouse location, destination country for subsequent export, and the customer’s timeline requirements.

Step 2: Review Regulatory Requirements and Customs Solutions

Our documentation and customs specialists review commodity policies, the intended bonded warehouse purpose, required supporting documents, and any issues that should be clarified before the cargo arrives in Vietnam.

Step 3: Assess the Logistics Plan

THT coordinates with all relevant parties to evaluate transportation methods, lifting equipment, warehouse receiving conditions, storage locations, and operational safety requirements.

Step 4: Complete Procedures for Moving Cargo into the Bonded Warehouse

THT assists customers in preparing the required documentation and coordinates with both the bonded warehouse operator and customs authorities to complete all procedures in accordance with applicable regulations.

Step 5: Monitor Storage and Cargo Preservation

While the cargo remains in the bonded warehouse, THT works closely with all parties to monitor cargo conditions, storage requirements, movement plans, and any additional requests from cargo owners or overseas partners.

Step 6: Arrange Re-Export to a Third Country

Once the next export plan is confirmed, THT supports document preparation, transportation coordination, lifting operations, cargo handling, and completion of all required procedures to ensure the goods are re-exported in their original condition according to schedule.

6. Real Project Machinery Handling Video at THT

To provide businesses with a more practical perspective on project cargo operations, THT Cargo Logistics regularly documents actual handling activities at ports, warehouses, and project sites.

Businesses may embed actual project cargo handling videos here, including activities such as cargo receiving, lifting operations, transportation, warehousing, and safety supervision.

7. Conclusion

Placing used container gantry cranes into a bonded warehouse for re-export is a specialized operation that requires a close combination of regulatory knowledge, customs expertise, and practical field execution capabilities.

For high-value shipments with large dimensions and strict scheduling requirements, selecting the right logistics partner plays a critical role in minimizing risks, controlling costs, and ensuring cargo is handled safely and efficiently.

THT Cargo Logistics is ready to accompany businesses in machinery and equipment projects, oversized and heavy-lift cargo operations, and bonded warehouse storage solutions for re-export.

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Impact of Regional Customs Restructuring on FDI Enterprises – Key Considerations

1. Background: Large-Scale Customs Restructuring

This highlights the scale of impact, especially for FDI enterprises with frequent import-export activities.

2. Practical Impacts on FDI Enterprises

(1) Changes in Procedures and Policy Application

New regional customs units will not only inherit but also standardize the application of regulations. Previously “accepted practices” at local levels may no longer apply.

(2) Increased Risk of Inspection and Post-Clearance Audits

The centralized management model typically leads to stricter risk control and standardized classification.

• Higher probability of yellow/red channel inspections
• More frequent post-clearance audits
• Potential tax reassessment due to interpretation differences

(3) Clearance Delays During Transition

Although the goal is uninterrupted operations, transitional challenges are unavoidable.

• Slower declaration processing
• Longer inspection times
• Local congestion at ports and warehouses

(4) Changes in Working Contacts

Assigned customs officers and coordination mechanisms may change, requiring businesses to rebuild working relationships.

(5) Increased Operational and Logistics Costs

• Demurrage and storage fees due to delays
• Additional costs from inspection location changes
• Higher internal compliance costs

(6) Reduced Predictability in the Short Term

In the first 3–6 months, it will be difficult to accurately predict clearance time and inspection rates.

3. Positive Outlook (Mid–Long Term)

This transformation aligns with global supply chain standards and increasing compliance requirements for FDI enterprises.

4. Recommendations for FDI Enterprises

Short-term (0–3 months)

• Review HS codes, declared values, and import documentation
• Build buffer time into delivery schedules
• Proactively engage with new customs authorities

Mid-term (3–6 months)

• Update internal SOPs
• Retrain logistics and import-export teams
• Reassess risk management strategies

Long-term

• Strengthen compliance systems
• Build transparent data management processes
• Enhance internal control frameworks

Visits: 14

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