Vietnam Loosen Laws on Casino and Gaming Allowing Vietnamese to Try Luck

 On 16 Jan 2017, Vietnam Prime Minister issued Decree 03/2017/ND-CP on casino including investment conditions and procedures of foreign investment in service, tourism, and entertainment with casino, including investment registration of foreign investors, business operation license eligibility, and notable three-year pilot plan that allow the Vietnamese playing in the casino.

Vietnam has allowed investment in the field of casino business and that foreign investors have been in Vietnam since 1995. But it is expected only when Vietnam law makers loosens the regulations on casino and gaming business allowing Vietnamese to come and try luck, foreign investors would be encouraged to invest in constructing real estate, entertainment projects providing services, tourism and entertainment with gaming and casino to serve the entertainment needs of the increasing population of Vietnam, and attract international tourists.

1. Vietnamese will be accepted at casino during three-year pilot

Casino will accept Vietnamese to try luck whom must be at least 18 years of age, with regular income from 10 million / month or more, and no close family ties with the casino business enterprises. Entrance tickets will be at around VND 1 mil (around USD 50) for 24 continuous hours per person or VND 25 million (around USD 1,200) per month per person.

2. Casino Operation

The casino enterprises can only provide casino in one location and such location must be separated from other business areas of entertainment.

3. Investment Registration and Business Operation License investing and operating Casino

Eligible investors wishing to invest and operate service, tourism and entertainment with casino have to make investment a minimum capital of USD 2 billion, and submit plans to manage the negative impacts of casino operations.

Investors meet investment conditions when being granted the investment registration, business certificate and operation license in casino; has disbursed at least 50% of total capital as regulated in the investment registration; layout area for casino business; employ proper casino operation manager; and have plans approved by the authority.

Decree 03/2017/ND-CP will become effective from 15 Mar 2017 and do not affect the organizations which have been granted permission.

Currently casino in Vietnam allows foreigners such as Do Son Casino in Hai Phong, Ho Tram Casino in Vung Tau, Casino Aristo International in Lao Cai, Silver Shore Casino in Da Nang, Casino Royal Quang Ninh, and projects Casino Hoi An, Casino Van Don, and Casino Phu Quoc.

Easing regulations on casino business will help prevent flyout capital of Vietnamese to visit casinos in neighboring countries such as Cambodia, Macao; help better manage the social order in the sensitive entertainment area in Vietnam and attract foreign tourists.

Furthermore, Vietnam hopes to further integrate regionally, and internationally, attract billions of dollars of foreign investment to sustain growth, and make tourism a key sector to further develop. However, Vietnam will also meet challenges arisen in management of smuggling, illegal transportation of foreign currency, gold, silver, precious stones, precious metals, money laundering, high-tech crime and terrorist financing. Further laws will be issued to cope with the changes along the way but the loosen of laws on casino and gaming is needed.

The laws on casino and gaming will be only the beginning of an inevitable trend that attract investment in tourism and entertainment construction project. The laws has been evolving and there will be changes in the coming time which ANT Lawyers in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City will monitor and provide relevant updates.

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Measures to Prevent and Ensure Administrative Sanctions of Software Piracy

 Vietnam is among countries with the highest rate of software piracy in the world, although the rate has reduced from 92% in 2004, to 81% in 2011, 78% in 2015 according to the report of BSA, The Software Alliance that promote legal software use and advocates for public policies that foster technology innovation and drive growth in the digital economy.

Computer software is protected as literary works, one of types of works eligible for copyright protection in accordance with Article 14 of Vietnam law on intellectual property 2005, amended and supplemented in 2009. Unlicensed software is unauthorized use or distribution of copyrighted software. Copyright infringements include publishing, distributing, copying, using, leasing out, duplicating, importing, exporting a work without permission from the author or copyright holder according to Article 28 of Vietnam law on intellectual property 2005, amended and supplemented in 2009.

The government of Vietnam has been striving to coordinate between ministries to increase awareness and encourage the software license compliance. Further, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has coordinated with Ministry of Public Security to increase frequency of inspecting the software license compliance in Vietnam as part of intellectual property right enforcement effort.

According to the provisions of Article 215 of the 2005 Intellectual Property Law, there are measures under the law of Vietnam to prevent and secure administrative sanctions.

In the following cases, organizations and individuals may request Vietnam competent agencies to apply preventive measures and ensure administrative sanction as provided for in Clause 2, Article 215 of the 2005 Intellectual Property Law:

-An act of infringement of intellectual property rights is likely to cause serious loss and damage to consumers or society;

-Material evidence of the infringement is likely to be dispersed or there are indications that the offender will evade responsibility;

In order to secure enforcement of a decision imposing an administrative penalty, preventive measures and/or measures to secure enforcement of administrative penalties which may be applied in accordance with administrative procedures to acts of infringement of intellectual property rights shall comprise:

-Temporary detention of persons;

-Temporary custody of infringing goods, material evidence and facilities;

-Body searches;

-Searches of means of transport and objects; searches of places where infringing goods, material evidence and facilities are hidden;

-Other administrative preventive measures in accordance with the law on dealing with administrative breaches.

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Lawyer Position

 ANT Lawyers in Ho Chi Minh City Recruitment

We are currently hiring Associate Lawyers for our office in Ho Chi Minh City.

What You Will Do

The candidate of Associate Lawyer shall be:

– Advising foreign clients relating to foreign direct investment (FDI): establishing investment projects, joint ventures and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and other works assigned;

– Drafting and reviewing contracts and other documents relevant to client matters;

– Managing clients’ transactions and on-going legal requirements;

– Representing client in disputes

– Liaising with government officials;

– Leading teams;

– Promoting business development activities (write articles and attend seminars);

– Additional duties as assigned by partner.

What You Are Good At

-Vietnamese Bachelor of Law Degree.

-Vietnamese Lawyer’s Certificate (necessary)

-Excellent command for both written and spoken in English.

-Good at MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point).

-Analytical and problem solving skills

-Negotiation and influencing skills

-Years of Experience: 4 + years

About Our Company

Company size: 10-24

ANT Lawyers is a Vietnamese law firm in Vietnam with English speaking lawyers whom understand the laws of Vietnam within the business and the local culture context. The firm has been advising and representing foreign companies and individual clients interested in either doing business, or needing legal services or representation in Vietnam who are seeking reasonable and competitive solutions without compromising on service quality.

We are a Vietnam law firm with international standard, local expertise and strong international network. We focus on customers’ needs and provide clients with a high quality legal advice and services. We help clients to overcome cultural barriers and achieve their strategic and financial results, and in the meantime ensure best interest protection, risk minimization, and regulatory compliance.

Our people are members of Vietnam Bar Federation, Hanoi Bar Association, Vietnam law firm member of Prae Legal, a global law firm network spanning 5 continents and 150 countries, World Mediation Organization, an international organization headquartered in Berlin that promote and foster mediation as an alternative dispute resolution.

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Cosmetic Product Information Dossier

 Vietnam Law provides that every cosmetic product must get a Product Information File (PIF) when delivered to the market in accordance with ASEAN’s instruction which is saved at the address of organizations or individuals who are responsible for putting the product on the market.

The Product Information File involves of the following 04 parts: administrative documents and a summary of product; material quality; product quality and safety, and efficiency.

The administrative documents and the summary of product of the Product Information File must immediately be presented to the agency of Consideration, Investigation when required; others, if inefficiently, must be presented within 15-60 days since the consideration day in regard to the functional agency’s request.

This publication is designed to provide updated information of legal matters, and does not constitute professional advice.

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Vietnam Temporary Residence Card for Foreigner

 Under the provision of the Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigner in Vietnam, temporary residence card is paper issued by the immigration management agency or the competent authorities under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for foreigner. Accordingly, foreigner is allowed to reside for a definite time in Vietnam and the temporary residence card can replace visa.

The cases that are eligible for temporary residence card granting:

-Foreigners who are members of diplomatic representative missions, consular offices, representative missions of international organizations under the United Nations, intergovernmental organization in Vietnam and spouse, child under 18 years old and maid are granted the temporary residence card with symbol NG3.

-Foreigners who are granted visa with the symbol LV1, LV2, ĐT, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LĐ, TT shall be granted temporary residence cards with similar symbols with the symbols in their visas

In which the meaning of the symbols in the visa is understood as follows:

-LV1: Issued to person coming to Vietnam to work with departments, units and agencies directly under the central of the Communist Party of Vietnam; The National Assembly, the Government, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland, the Supreme People’s Court, the Supreme People’s Procuracy, State Audit, ministries, ministerial-level agencies, agencies attached to the Government; Provincial Committees, Party Committees, People’s Councils, People’s Committees of provinces and cities under the Central Government.

-LV2: Issued to person coming to Vietnam to work with the political – social organizations, social organizations, Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

-ĐT: Issued to foreign investors in Vietnam and foreign lawyers practicing in Vietnam.

-NN1: Issued to person who is the head of the representative office, project of international organizations and international non-governmental organizations in Vietnam.

-NN2: Issued to the head of the representative office or branches of foreign business entity, representative offices of economic, culture and other professional organizations of foreign countries in Vietnam.

-NN3: Issued to person coming to Vietnam to work with foreign non-governmental organizations, representative offices or branches of foreign business entities, representative offices of economic, culture and other specialized organizations of foreign country in Vietnam.

-TT: Issued to foreigners who are spouses, children under 18 years of foreigners that are granted visa with symbols LV1, LV2, ĐT, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LĐ or foreigners who are parents, spouses and children of Vietam citizen.

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Note on Setting up a Representative Office in Vietnam

 Setting up a representative office is considered one of the simplest forms of investment in Vietnam.

The representative office will help the foreign trader to lease office, hire people, open bank account, and promote the business activities in Vietnam market. The chief representative if being foreigner will then could apply for work permit and temporary residence card to stay in Vietnam. There is no income tax as the representative office therefore the liability to maintain a representative office is less hassle. When the purpose of setting up representative office in Vietnam has been achieved, the closing down of the business shall be not as challenging as closing down a company.

According to Vietnam laws, representative office is a dependent unit, representing the foreign entity’s interests in Vietnam. Representative office is established by foreign entities to help them liaise, implement research activities, provide information and support them in seeking new partners as well as having understanding of the new market.

The foreign entity has to meet certain conditions before setting up representative office in Vietnam. It has rights and duties in accordance with Vietnam laws.

When preparing the application for license of representative office in Vietnam, the foreign entities have to note the following.

Prepare the application forms

The application forms as issued by Ministry of Industry and Trade. The application must be signed by legal representative of the foreign entity;

Notarize, legalize and authenticate documents

The foreign entity has to prepare and provide business registration certificate, audited financial report, charter, and office lease memorandum of understanding, passport of the legal representatives of the Representative Office in Vietnam. The documents issued in foreign countries have to be notarized, legalized and authenticated (apostille procedures) in accordance with Vietnam laws to be used in Vietnam. If the business registration certificate or alternative documents have expiry date for business entity’s operation, the remaining time must be at least one year;

Who should be the chief representative?

The Chief Representative of the Representative Office in Vietnam must be different from the Director of the foreign entity.

How long does it take?

It would take around 20 business days since application until receiving the business operation registration of representative office.

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Scope of Chapter 9 – Investment in CPTPP Agreement

 CPTPP is a new-generation FTA covering many aspects in addition to the traditional areas such as trade of goods, services. Non-traditional areas such as labor, environment, intellectual property, etc. all have significant commitments and are specified in each chapter. Enterprises of state member must meet certain conditions applicable to each area to enjoy respective benefits. As for foreign investment, the host country has the right to refuse to apply benefits to foreign investors or its investment if they do not meet the requirements of the CPTPP.

For avoidance of doubt, investment means every asset that an investor owns or controls, directly or indirectly, that has the characteristics of an investment, including such characteristics as the commitment of capital or other resources, the expectation of gain or profit, or the assumption of risk. Forms that an investment may take include: enterprise, forms of equity participation in an enterprise, debt instruments and loans, intellectual property rights, etc. Requirements for enjoying foreign investment benefits are provided indirectly in the way of permitting State Members deny of benefits under some circumstances as stipulated in Article 9.15:

“Article 9.15: Denial of Benefits

1.A Party may deny the benefits of this Chapter to an investor of another Party that is an enterprise of that other Party and to investments of that investor if the enterprise:

(a) is owned or controlled by a person of a non-Party or of the denying Party; and

(b) has no substantial business activities in the territory of any Party other than the denying Party.

2.A Party may deny the benefits of this Chapter to an investor of another Party that is an enterprise of that other Party and to investments of that investor if persons of a non-Party own or control the enterprise and the denying Party adopts or maintains measures with respect to the non-Party or a person of the non-Party that prohibit transactions with the enterprise or that would be violated or circumvented if the benefits of this Chapter were accorded to the enterprise or to its investments.”

Most commitments in the Investment Chapter apply to only investors and its investment that come from CPTPP Member States. However, Vietnam may deny the benefits to an investor of State Member that is an enterprise and to investments of that investor if the enterprise:

is owned or controlled by an individual or enterprise of a Non- State Member.

is owned or controlled by an individual or enterprise of Vietnam.

has no substantial business activities in the territory of any State Member other than Vietnam.

By the above permitted denial, the CPTPP applies investment benefits selectively, restricts individual or enterprise of a Non-State Member to taking advantage of benefits from CPTPP. When performing investment licensing procedures in Vietnam, foreign enterprises that come from State Member must present internal documents indicating the owner or controller to demonstrate that their business is out of permitted denial. Besides, these investors must have substantial business activities in the territory of any State Member other than Vietnam. It is necessary to wait for more guidance from the competent state authorities on implementation of CPTPP.

The CPTPP Agreement restricts investment under its protection. CPTPP protects investment which is in its territory of an investor of CPTPP State Member in existence as of the date of entry into force of CPTPP for those State Members or established, acquired, or expanded thereafter. Therefore, the investments ended or terminated prior to the effective date of CPTPP in Vietnam and host country will not gain the benefits under CPTPP.

In the meantime, the investor could also challenge the denial decision of the host country through the dispute settlement mechanism between investor and state (ISDS).

Vietnam has ratified the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership – CPTPP on Jan 14th, 2019. This Agreement include 11 countries New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, Peru, Australia and Vietnam.

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Mandatory Announcement of Cosmetic Product

 Business owners being organizations and individuals responsible for launching cosmetic products on the market are only allowed to put into circulation when the competent state agencies approve and the business owners must bear full responsibility for the safety, efficiency and product quality. Competent state agencies will conduct post-trade test when the products are being sold to the market.

Cosmetics are substances or preparations used in contact with the external parts of the human body (skin, hair, nails, lips and external genital organs) or the teeth and oral mucosa with the main purpose is to clean, perfume, change appearances, form, adjust body odor, or protect body or to keep the body in good condition. The following will provide conditions and list of cosmetic types subject to mandatory announcement.

1. Conditions to apply:

– Organizations and individuals responsible for launching the product into circulation on the market must have function to doing cosmetics business in Vietnam

– The announcement of the features of cosmetic products (intended use of the product) must satisfy the ASEAN guidelines on disclosure features of cosmetic products

2. Kinds of cosmetic that have to announce the distribution of cosmetics:

Kinds of cosmetic products must disclose the circulation of cosmetic products:

– Cream, emulsion, lotion, gel and oil for skin (hand, face, feet)

– Face mask (with the exception of chemistry peeling products)

– Tinted (liquid, paste, powder)

– Makeup powder, after shower powder, toilet powder

– Bath soap, deodorant soap

– Perfume, toilet perfume

– Products for bath or shower (salt, foam, oil, gel)

– Hair removal products

– Deodorants and anti-perspirants

– Shaving products (cream, foam, lotion)

– The makeup and makeup remover products for face and eyes

– Products used for lips

– Products for take caring teeth and mouth

– Products for nail care and adorn

– The products used to clean the outside

– Sun cream products

– Products for tanning without sun

– Skin whitening products

– Anti-wrinkle products

– Other products

Some products which are not classified as cosmetics:

Anti-mosquito products, air freshener, fabric softener, bleach, toilet, oxygen liquid, antiseptic alcohol 700, alcohol 900, denture cleaning products that are not exposed to the oral cavity, fake eyelashes, liquids to take care of eyes/nose/ears, against nasal congestion product, anti-snoring products, vaginal lubrication gel, ultrasound gel, the product in contact with the genital, rectal enema, anesthesia , reduce/control the swelling/edema, dermatitis treatment, allergy relief, anti-fungal, anti-virus products, stimulate hair/eyelash growth, the product removed/reduced fat/ reduced body size, weight loss products, prevent/stop hair growth products, stop sweating process, permanent tattoo ink, re

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Vietnam Restructures Electricity Sector with Vision into 2025

 Vietnam has been increasingly needing energy for industry development and consumption and therefore investment in building plants are encouraged by governments in all forms, especially with sources from Public Private Partnership.

The nuclear energy has not been approved by Vietnam National Assembly in 2016. Vietnam has now more depending on up-coming thermal coal power plant construction projects when the sustainable energy projects i.e. wind, solar are slowly initiated.

For most of the significant projects, the developers requires the foreign EPC contractors to provide equipment, engineering and constructions whom requires construction licenses to operation in Vietnam. They also keep an eye on on the changes in the law in electricity and Vietnam development of energy sector to follow opportunities.

In 2016, Vietnam has issued decision on national power development into 2020.

With aim to grow the energy sector to meeting growing demands and publicly announce the plan to the interested parties, Vietnam government has now restructuring the power sector aiming to achieve the conversion of the power sector under the market mechanism in order to enhance business efficiency, enhance the publicity, transparency, equal competition in terms of international integration, ensuring the development of sustainable electricity systems, market development-oriented retail electricity in Vietnam according to the market mechanisms under the regulation of Government.

Restructure Electricity Sector 2016 – 2020

The period from 2016 to 2018

Privatize the power generation corporation of Vietnam electricity Group (EVN), Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PVN), Vietnam national coal – mineral industries holding corporation limited (Vinacomin). Vietnam Power Generation Corporation to be remained in the groups managed by EVN and the group hold at least 51% of the shares.

To encourage the plant using the renewable energy to engage in the wholesale electricity market.

Orienting the National Load Dispatch Center to become one member limited liability company with independent profit and loss center to manage the system, the electricity market and metering activities.

The period from 2019 to 2020

Reduce the State capital in the power generation corporation, separate the Vietnam Power Generation Corporation from Vietnam Electricity Group, and guarantee the State capital ratio in the power generation companies.

Allow the BOT power plant, the large power plant having important meaning to involve in the wholesale electricity market. Ensure a fair, equality environment for investors.

Separate the cost of distribution and retailing of electricity to operate the retail electricity market.

Before the competitive wholesale electricity market officially implemented, complete the conversion of the National Load Dispatch Center into one member limited liability company.

Restructure Electricity Sector 2021 – 2025

Creating an environment for fair competition in the electricity retailing, separate the cost of distribution and retailing.

Privatize the power generation corporation, and retail activity ensuring the state’s capital ratio but not to private each company, or distribution activity.

Ensure the independence of the legal status, personnel, financial and interests between the power seller, and power buyer.

The Expected Changes of the Law on Electricity

The competent authority will revise the Vietnam Electricity Law and the related legal documents to propose the necessary amendments, to fit with the open market direction for the electricity industry in Vietnam, in order to avoid the legal entanglements for domestic as well as foreign investors.

Allows the plant using the renewable energy to have a options for preferential price mechanism or engage in the competitive wholesale electricity market.

Provide guidance on the cost separation on distribution and retailing of electricity, renew the mechanism of the retail price of electricity suitable for the market mechanisms under the state’s management.

Build a road map to transform the national load dispatch center to become one member limited liability company to complete the tasks independently and take responsibility.

The laws on electricity will be changed to attract investment of the private sector, boosting the industrial development of the country, which is always hunger for power to develop. The changes of laws will be monitored by ANT Lawyers Energy and Project Department in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City to provide clients with updates.

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Energy & Resources

 Vietnam is known as a rich of natural resources country. The energy industry of Vietnam has developed for a number of years but the lack of modern technology and capital, that makes Vietnam has still stalled in this potential field. By the strength of resources, cheap labor, transport, Vietnam is attracting many foreign investors to invest in energy industry. Our energy and resources lawyers in Vietnam always monitor the legal environment and keep our client posted to changes that could impact their business.

In particular, Vietnam has considerable supplies of oil, natural gas and refineries. Proven oil reserves in Vietnam amount to 3.3 billion barrels as the second-most in Southeast Asia, after Indonesia. Revenues from oil and gas contribute about 30% of Vietnam’s GDP. Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam), a state-owned company is eligible to conduct petroleum activities, sign cooperation contracts and govern petroleum industry in Vietnam.

For exploration and production, sea zones in Vietnam are divided into different geographic “blocks” based on the advice of Petro Vietnam. The size and scope of these blocks can vary from year to year, depending on the scale of the activities undertaken by the company currently assigned to it. According to Law on Petroleum 1993, amending in 2000 and 2008, to participate in this field, the investors have to join the bidding for researching and exploiting petroleum. In special case, the Vietnam Government may appoint the contractor to select investor wishing to engage in petroleum. Then the investor must enter into a dividing products or joint venture or other contract in which contents all terms as required by Article 15 (amended), managed by Vietnam Government. This contract’s term shall not exceed 25 years in which period of research and exploration not exceed 5 years. The duration may be extended 5 years for the contract and 2 year for period of research and exploration. In case projects encouraged to invest in petroleum and exploring natural gas, the term can be 30 years and 7 years for period of research and exploration.

Taxation for petroleum activities is based on type of natural resources exploited, economic, technical conditions of the mines, the amount produced. According to law on Petroleum and other provisions on taxation, natural resources tax rate is from 4% to 25% for crude oil, 0% to 10% for natural gas. To ensure the reserve aiming to domestic demand, Vietnam has regulated export rate for natural resources, especially tax rate at 20% for crude oil and coal. This regulation was implemented to encourage companies in Vietnam to refine crude oil in country as the new refineries come online.

Vietnam has more potential in petroleum and energy industry. ANT Lawyers research and advise clients in energy and resources regulations in Vietnam. Our relationship and collaboration with with international lawyers and law firms in different part of the world, especially major oil and energy production areas in the Middle East, former Soviet Union countries give us advantage in assisting international clients in the energy and resources legal matters. ANT Lawyers is the Vietnam exclusive member of Prae Legal, a global law firm network which allow us to take on international projects.

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What Bona Fide Possession of Property Are and How the Rights Are protected?

 Possession in good faith means the possession that the possessor has bases to believe that he/she has the right to the property in Vietnam under his/her possession. Bona fide possessor is protected by the law on property rights. Owning this type of property might be subject to many potential disputes which parties should consult with dispute lawyers from time to time to understand his/her rights to the property.

According to Clause 3 Article 184 of the 2015 Civil Code, a person possessing in good faith, continuously and overtly shall be eligible for prescriptive periods for enjoying the rights and enjoy the yield and income derived from the property as prescribed in this Code and relevant laws.

A person possessing in good faith is entitled to protect his/her rights and his right to possession when meeting specific conditions. Before a third person entered into a civil transaction, a prior civil transaction was established, the previous civil transactions were invalidated. Besides, the third person establishing civil transactions must be honest. Property traded in accordance with law and civil transactions must be compensated.

The owner has the right to reclaim the property from the rightful owner in accordance with Article 167 and Article 168 of the Civil Code 2015. Accordingly, depending on the type of property subject to ownership registration or not, the reclaim of ownership of the owner has a certain difference. Specifically, owners may reclaim movable property not subject to ownership right registration from bona fide possessors in cases where such bona fide possessors have acquired such property through unindemnifiable contracts with persons who have no right to dispose of the property; in case of indemnifiable contracts, the owners may reclaim the movable property if such movable property has been stolen, lost or other cases of possession against the owners’ will.

Owners may reclaim their movable property subject to ownership right registration and immovable property, except for cases where a civil transaction is invalid but the transacted property is registered at a competent authority and such property has already been transferred to a bona fide third party through another transaction which is established according to that registration, such transaction shall remain valid.

In cases where the transacted property which is required to be registered has not registered at a competent authority, the transaction with the third party shall be invalid, except for cases the bona fide third party received such property through an auction or a transaction with an another party being the owner of such property pursuant to a judgment or decision of a competent authority but thereafter such person is not the owner of the property as a result of the judgment or decision being amended or annulled.

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Obligations of Cosmetics Manufacturers and Importer in Vietnam

 The cosmetics manufacturers and importers who are responsible for putting cosmetic on the market have the obligations as the following:

Be responsible for all contents declared in the cosmetic product proclamation report, for the safety, the efficiency, and the quality of the product; and guarantee that the circulated products satisfy all requirements of the ASEAN Cosmetic Treaty and the Appendix of Vietnam law;

Follow, discover, and confiscate immediately the unqualified cosmetic, as well as implement the confiscation announcement from the state authority office and inform to the state authority office about the confiscation; punctually deal with the consumer’s complaints of the cosmetic’s quality and compensate for consumer’s loss in accordance with the regulation; refund to the buyer the produced cost in the maintenance, transportation, and circulation process;

Report to the Medicine Management department – the Health Ministry within 07 days since the date receiving the first feedback from this side-effect in case finding side-effects which are serious and could damage the consumer’s life because of the cosmetic product’s quality;

File the Product Information File (PIF) in at least 03 years since the latest manufacture lot is put on the market and presented to the checking and inspecting functional office when requested;

Obey the Vietnamese Regulation and Law on the intellectual ownership. When having the conclusion of the state competent offices on the intellectual-ownership law-breaking label and industrial design, the organizations, the individuals must stop manufacturing, trading, and importing in order to conduct of changing the label and the industrial design as provided, and be responsible for refunding and resolving all damages (if any).

Besides, Vietnam law also provides that the organizations which manufacture the cosmetic must deploy to apply and satisfy principles, the “cosmetic good manufacturing practice” standard of the Asian Southeast Association Nations (CGMP-ASEAN).

Last but not least, the organizations, the individuals must conduct requirements of state competent offices about checking and inspecting the cosmetic quality, confiscating the violated cosmetics, and be entitle to complaints about the conclusion and the law-breaking judgment form in accordance with the law regulation on the complaint and the denouncement.

This publication is designed to provide updated information of legal matters, and does not constitute professional advice.

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Three Difficulties in Applying Temporary Residence Card in Da Nang

 In recent years, more and more foreigners are coming to live, work, study or to reside in Da Nang, therefore, many foreigners apply for Temporary residence card (TRC) for more convenience in Vietnam.

According to the regulation of Section 13, Article 3 of Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, Temporary Residence Card (TRC)is a legal document issued by an immigration authority or a competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to a foreigner who is permitted to reside in Vietnam for a certain period of time. This card has the same validity as a visa. Therefore, if the foreigners have TRC, they will reside and entry/exit Vietnam without applying for visa.

However, the process and procedures to apply for TRC would have many different practical applications in each province. Particularly in Da Nang, the issuance of temporary cards for foreigners is more challenging.

The first, for the issuance of a TRC, the foreigner must apply for suitable visa, the issuance of TRC is executed at the Immigration Department of the Da Nang City Public Security. The application for a visa in Da Nang is more complicated than in other provinces. It is necessary to have specific information relating to the operation and management of the enterprise which guarantee foreigner to enter Vietnam(if any). For the submission of dossiers to apply for the visa, the foreigner shave to submit by themselves or by the staff of their company. This makes it necessary for the foreigner or the sponsor have to spend the time to complete the procedure.

Secondly, after having a valid visa, the foreigners should apply the TRC at the Immigration Department of the Da Nang City Public Security. The dossiers for applying the TRC is regulated in the Article 37 of the Law on enter, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam. However, when applying for temporary residence cards in Da Nang, the Immigration Department could request more other relevant documents to the business, which is some time not found in the law, which poses challenges to applicant.

Thirdly, the granting of TRC to foreign investors, workers in Da Nang requires the confirmation of work permit exemption, work permits. The duration of the TRC issued will be valid for a period of two (2) years. As a result, for foreign investors, only have TRC with the validity term of 02 years are granted, instead of maximum 5 years, as provided for in Clause 2, Article 38 of the Immigration law. In order to be granted a TRC for a period of more than two years, the Immigration Department shall consider the business situation of the company, the tax payment status of the investor, etc. Therefore, if investors want to be granted TRC for more than 02 years, they need to work in Vietnam for a longer time and the business must be profitable.

With the above difficulties, many foreigners need to necessary attention, prepare all the documents as well as know about the term of TRC, in order to be able to prepare the best dossier. In case of difficulties, ANT Lawyers with offices in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang and experience in work permit, immigration, and temporary residence card could provide legal services for the client’s convenience.

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Law firm in Ho Chi Minh City

 ANT Lawyers, the law office in Ho Chi Minh City is located in the business center that provides convenient access to our clients.

ANT Lawyers works with corporate and individual clients from across the sectors and offers a true spectrum of legal expertise, both contentious and non-contentious. The range of our experience enables us to advise on various matters from the precedent-setting to the purely procedural.

The common thread in everything we do is our ability to combine both commercial and legal perspectives. This means our clients can rest assured that, whatever the case or transaction, our lawyers have the experience to deliver legal advice and service that works in a commercial context.

Please contact us to book your time in advanced to let us provide our best service.

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What to Note When Signing Labour Contract with Foreign Workers?

 With the policy of opening the economy in Vietnam, not only Vietnam attracts investors to set up company, but also the demand for foreign workers in enterprises grows and diversifies. However, in order for Vietnam companies to be able to use foreign workers, they must sign a labor contract.

After meeting the conditions specified in the Labor Code on meeting the requirements for recruitment and working in Vietnam, the foreign worker working in Vietnam shall sign a labor contract before the expected date intend to work for the employer. In this contract, the employer and the foreign worker will agree on all issues arising in the process of working as well as using labor together.

Firstly, on the working position in the labor contract, it must show the correct position and position for which the employer has determined the needs with the competent authority and in accordance with the working position shown in the document and the work permits which have been granted to foreign workers.

Regarding the working time, it will normally be agreed upon by the two parties but must not exceed the number of working days (hours) as prescribed by Vietnamese law. The number of overtime hours must be based on voluntary work and must ensure rest time, rest during working time and weekends for foreign workers.

According to the provisions of the Labor Code, in addition to Vietnamese public holidays and New Year’s holidays, foreign workers are allowed to take one more day off for the national traditional New Year and one national day of the country. This is a humane regulation, respecting the national culture of Vietnam. Therefore, the employer needs to learn about the National Day and the traditional Tet holiday of foreign workers so that the employees can take leave in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Regarding the term of the labor contract, the term of the labor contract for foreigners is also governed by the duration of the work permit issued by the competent Vietnamese authority. Accordingly, the term of the labor contract for foreign workers working in Vietnam must not exceed the term of the work permit. Therefore, the employer should pay attention to conclude the contract term in accordance with regulations.

In addition, employers and foreign workers should be aware of the terms of disputes which could potentially arise. Because, contract terms are an important legal basis to resolve when a labor dispute arises, agreeing in advance on how to resolve a dispute when a dispute arises will create a clear legal foundation for easy settlement by both parties. Dispute lawyers are suggested to be consulted at an early stage to avoid dispute escalation.

At most, it is important that the employers and foreign workers need to pay attention and strictly comply with the provisions of the law so that the process of entering into and performing the contract is conducted smoothly and in compliance with the law in Vietnam.

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How Cross-Border Supply of Services Works?

 Bilateral or multilateral free trade agreements between countries are formed majorly based on the WTO agreement system. In particular, GATS as an Agreement under the WTO system, is the first and only set of multilateral rules governing international trade in services. Ways or modes of trading services are basic provisions of GATS, including: Cross-border supply (mode 1), Consumption abroad (mode 2), Commercial presence (mode 3), Presence of natural person (mode 4). The categorization of modes covering its own regulations depends on the territorial presence of the supplier and the consumer at the time of the transaction.

According to GATS, cross -border supply means supply of a service from the territory of one Member into the territory of any other member, and supplier and consumer of a member do not present within the territory of other member. Consumption abroad means supply of a service in the territory of one Member to the service consumer of any other member. Presence of natural person means supply of a service by a service supplier of one member, through presence of natural persons of a member in the territory of any other member. It should be noted that cross-border supply of services is defined depending on each Agreement. Under CPTPP, cross-border supply includes modes 1, 2 and 4 above. In this article, cross-border supply is equivalent to mode 1, under GATS.

When participating in GATS, members make commitments for market access with respect to each mode of service supply and sub-sector. The GATS provides a set of general principles that all WTO members must adhere to, which there is no unnecessary barriers applied to trade. However, GATS expressly recognizes the rights of member governments to manage and regulate the supply of services in pursuit of their own policy objectives. GATS also does not interfere in internal affairs ad policies of members. Therefore, the governments absolutely have the right to decide and adopt their trade policies. The enterprise of a member must comply with domestic regulations in the territory of other member where they conduct business and trade in services and refer to that Member’s Schedule of Specific Commitments to understand market access obligations and national treatment.

Most sub-sectors do not restrict market access and national treatment for foreign suppliers providing cross-border services in Vietnam (legal, accounting, auditing, tax, architecture, advertising, management consulting, …). Although the market access is not restricted, it does not mean that the foreign suppliers freely provide services in Vietnam without satisfaction of conditions or without the consent of the competent state authorities. To consider this mater and have a correct understanding, the national treatment principal should be reviewed, it requires that each member shall accord to services and service suppliers of any other member the treatment no less favourable than that it accords to its own like services and service suppliers. Having said that, in the event that a member maintains business conditions for the domestic services and service suppliers, these conditions may also apply to the foreign services and service suppliers.

Such as accounting service business, foreign service suppliers are not restricted in market access and national treatment under the Schedule of Specific Commitments in Services. It means that a foreign accounting firm can provide accounting services to a Vietnamese enterprise. However, accounting service is a conditional business applicable to domestic firms. According to the national treatment principle, Vietnam has the right to impose similar conditions on foreign suppliers. Reference to the provisions of Vietnamese laws, the foreign accounting firm must fully meet the conditions of head office and personnel to be licensed its business in Vietnam. Further, there are tax liabilities arisen which obligations of registration and declaration depend on particulars of transactions. It is suggested that international trade lawyers are consulted to avoid potential disputes or non-compliance of cross-border supply of services.

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Vietnam Can Issue Permanent Residence Card to Foreign Investors in Phu Quoc

 The Ministry of Planning and Investment proposed a series of preferential mechanisms for Phu Quoc special economic zone.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment has just submitted to the Government a draft Law on Special Administrative Units. In this draft, the Ministry proposes a series of mechanisms to attract investment capital and foreign experts to live and work in Phu Quoc special economic zone.

Specifically, according to the draft law, Phu Quoc is prioritized investment to become a center for trade, high-end services and international procurement. This will be the only special zone to be prioritized for the development of fisheries, aquaculture and processing and fishery logistics.

According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the potential advantages of Phu Quoc can completely develop into a commercial center, eventhough Phu Quoc is located far from the land and there are only two main lines of transportation that are airway and sea. Phu Quoc also has favorable conditions for hydro-meteorology, natural environment, mountains, forests, marine and ecosystems; moderate weather, favorable for year-round tourism development. Especially, Phu Quoc has a large fishing ground and potential for aquaculture.

In addition, Phu Quoc has fertile farmland, large forest land, occupies 63.2% of the total natural land area, facilitates the development of agricultural economy and sustainable eco-tourism development.

Like other two special economic zones, which are Van Don (Quang Ninh), Van Phong (Khanh Hoa), the Ministry of Planning and Investment proposed a series of incentives for Phu Quoc such as income tax exemption for 5 years, but not exceed 2030 for individuals who have taxable income arising in the special economic zone. In subsequent years, the personal income tax payable will be reduced by 50%.

For managers, scientists and highly qualified experts with income subject to personal income tax in the 3 special economic zones mentioned above, they are also entitled to tax exemption until the end of 2030 and 50% reduction of tax amount in the remaining years.

In addition to the application of general incentives for special economic zones, Phu Quoc has also been proposed to enjoy a separate mechanism, such as raising the level of allowances from 30% to 50% of the basic salary for officials and employees working here.

In particular, in order to encourage investment, the Government of special economic zone will issue permanent residence cards to individual foreign investors with investment projects of 5 million USD or above, with the residence time of 5 years or more in Phu Quoc and not breaking the law.

Regarding infrastructure, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, infrastructure of Phu Quoc has been invested quite synchronously to meet the needs of large-scale tourism development. Many high-class and large-scale resorts have come into operation. The Politburo has agreed to open casino project in Phu Quoc for the Vietnamese.

For Van Don special economic zone, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, priority will be given to develop island eco-tourism, innovative industries and high-tech agriculture.

Van Phong, in particular with its location, will be promoted to develop deep-water ports, logistics services, medical services, high-quality resort…

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Law Firms in Da Nang

 ANT Lawyers offers clients legal services from Da Nang office.

The office is represented by lawyers whom are local of Hoi An covering Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue and other central provinces.

Attorneys in Da Nang focus on important business and legal issues related to real estate, foreign investment, setting up company and other business structures, M&A, contract and other corporate legal works.

Together with law offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the law office in Da Nang with coverage of Hoi An, Hue and other central provinces strengthens the nationwide coverage of ANT Lawyers, serving clients better in legal services in Vietnam.

Please contact us to book your time in advanced to let us provide our best service.

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Law Firm in Hanoi

 ANT Lawyers, the law firm in Hanoi is located in the business center that provides convenient access to our clients.

ANT Lawyers works with corporate and individual clients from across the sectors and offers a true spectrum of legal expertise, both contentious and non-contentious. The range of our experience enables us to advise on various matters from the precedent-setting to the purely procedural.

The common thread in everything we do is our ability to combine both commercial and legal perspectives. This means our clients can rest assured that, whatever the case or transaction, our lawyers have the experience to deliver legal advice and service that works in a commercial context.

Please contact us to book your time in advanced to let us provide our best service.

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How Lawyers Could Assist to Collect Debt

 The collection of bad debt and late payment after sales or services are difficult and sensitive jobs in Vietnam. Therefore, such job has always been handled by the law firms in Vietnam whom is aware of law and the process. The lawyers in Vietnam whom receive the case should be well informed about the legal nature of the debt profile and they must have skills on debt recovery.

Depending on the nature of each case and each specific dossier, the law firm can be able to make suitable plans to deal accordingly with the debtor.

There will be a number of methods and different solutions in the work of debt recovery. However, the recovery of debt will apply the following two basic methods:

– Mediation and agreement methods are ways that lawyers and legal professionals will come directly to negotiate and persuade debtor to make their debt payment schedule based on understanding of law and various drivers.

– Resolve through court proceeding, or arbitration. This method will be applied in the case that debtors are unwilling to cooperate, trying to evade responsibility, or the payment plan is delayed.

Time limit for settling the debt collection is influenced by different factors but the two most important factors are the legality of the documents and the payment capability of debtors.

There are debtors, after being explained the consequences and losses of non-payment, late payment by lawyers and legal experts, they were aware of and make plans to pay debts.

But there are debtors that the client requires the support and intervention of the state authorities. In such case, the duration of the case will be prolonged.

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How to Prepare and File a Lawsuit in Vietnam?

  If two parties have a dispute over a commercial matter in Vietnam, they should try to resolve disputes through negotiation, or mediation before considering to file a lawsuit against the other at a court in Vietnam.

To implement their right to sue, the plaintiff must prepare and submit the claim at the competent court in Vietnam. The dispute lawyers in Vietnam with experience and understanding the litigation process should be invited at the early stage to advise, represent and prepare to defend the client. The claim filing should include the petition and the supporting documents. The petition is the most important legal document for the court to review and resolve the claim of the plaintiff, as such it should be carefully prepared to meet the requirements of the form, authority, and further contain information about the plaintiff, defendant, summary of the case and the request of the plaintiff.

The contents of the petition must be presented in full, brief, clear, and in logic. The plaintiff should provide all documents, and evidence to prove the merit of the claim including contract, purchase order, separate terms and conditions, appendixes (if any), minutes of meetings of negotiations, invoices, delivery proof, legal status of plaintiff and defendant, documents to determine the legal status of the representative of the plaintiff such as appointment decision, power of attorney. In order for the document issued in foreign country to be valid in Vietnam, the documents presented have to be original or notarized, legalized and authenticated copy and translated into Vietnamese in accordance with Vietnam laws.

When the claim has been filed at the competent court in Vietnam provided all conditions of acceptance are met, the court will notify the plaintiff or its representative know the court fees. When the applicant advance the court fee, the case will be recorded and brought into the process for settlement.

At the trial preparation process, the case will be assigned to a judge whom after studying would request parties to present additional necessary papers and documents relating to the case. Parties or their representative would then be requested to meet the judge to provide further information or testimony or attend reconciliation. If the disputing parties resolve disputes with each other, the court will make a record to acknowledge the successful reconciliation and issue the decision to recognize the agreement of the parties. Where reconciliation fails, the court records that and shall issue the decision to bring the case to trial.

Disagreements or disputes arise when parties can not agree on issues related to contract provisions, expected outcome or performance starndards…There are cases when the dispute is over a debt obligations matters which a debt recovery law firm could assist at an early stage to manage the collection process pre litigations including negotitions and managing expectations of both sides.

ANT Lawyers, a law firms in Vietnam will be available to assist the clients when required to handle dispute matters out of court, at court or through arbitration in Vietnam.

How to Prepare and File a Lawsuit in Vietnam?

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Issuance of Work Permit for Foreigner Online

 From October 2nd 2017, the issuance of work permits to foreign employees working in Vietnam via Internet will be applied in accordance with the guidance of Circular No. 23/2017/TT-BLDTBXH issued by the Ministry of Labor – Invalids and Social Affairs on August 15th 2017.

Accordingly, the issuance and re-issuance of work permits for foreigners will be made via the electronic portal: http://dvc.vieclamvietnam.gov.vn. Employers must register their account to log into the Portal.

Before at least 7 working days, from the date the foreign worker intends to commence work, the employer must declare the information in the declaration form and submit the application for work permit via the electronic portal. The dossier includes: The declaration form and enclosed papers in accordance with the provisions of law on e-transactions and management of foreign laborers working in Vietnam; if the attached documents are in the form of paper, the employer must convert to electronic versions like pdf, doc, docx or jpg.

Within 5 working days from the date of receiving the dossier, the licensing agency shall reply via email to the employer. If the dossier is invalid, the licensing agency must clearly state the reasons.

Upon receipt of the result of notification of valid dossiers, the employers shall submit directly or by post the originals of the work permit application dossiers to the licensing agency for inspection, comparison and archive regulations. Within a maximum of 08 working hours from the date of receipt of the original application, the licensing agency shall return the result to the employer.

This Circular comes into effect from October 2nd 2017.

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Hau Giang Reduces 50% Investment Licensing Time

 Hau Giang province affirmed to speed up administrative procedures reformation, reducing 50% of the time for granting investment licenses and business registration, creating favorable conditions for investors when they set up business.

In which, Hau Giang province is calling for investment in 7 key projects, including industrial zone infrastructure development, hi-tech agriculture and ecotourism… with a total investment of nearly 300 million USD.

According to the vice chairman of Hau Giang People’s Committee, besides the policies in accordance with general regulations, localities also have their own incentive mechanisms for investors such as tax incentives, land rent exemption and reduction, investment support for manufacturing, preservation and processing facilities…, especially projects for sustainable development of agriculture and high technology application…

Furthermore, Department of Planning and Investment of Hau Giang province affirmed that the local authorities will shorten the maximum time for carrying out procedures, creating favorable conditions for enterprises and investors. Specifically, the business registration procedure is 3 days according to the law, but the locality can complete in 1.5 days. Regarding the investment policy, the law regulates 32 days but it is shortened to 15 days by the locality; time to receive and appraise for issuing investment certificate is only 3 days; discounted 2 days as prescribed.

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Employee Subject to Unilateral Termination of the Labor Contract Could Claim Unemployment Insurance

 Unemployment insurance is a measure to assist workers in a market economy. In addition to providing financial support to stabilize the lives of employees during the period of unemployment, the main purpose of unemployment insurance is to help the unemployed to find a suitable and stable job, through vocational training, counseling and job referral.

When the labor contract is unilaterally terminated by the employee, the employee does not need to have a certificate from the employer that the legal termination is legal, to be eligible for Unemployment Insurance (UI).

Within 03 months since the date of termination of the labor contract, the employee who doesn’t obtain a new job and wish to receive UI only need to submit an application for unemployment insurance and one of the document following documents:

i) The labor contract or contract has expired or has been completed under a labor contract;

ii) Resignation decision;

iii) Decisive dismissal;

iv) Disciplinary decision on dismissal;

v) Notice or agreement to terminate the labor contract or contract of employment.

The unemployed shall receive a Decision on unemployment insurances within 15 working days from the filing date. From the 16th day, the unemployed shall be entitled to unemployment insurance as requested.

We at ANT Lawyers constantly follow the changes in the labour to provide legal update to clients

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