Online selling in Vietnam: Is website registration mandatory?

With the rapid growth of e-commerce, more and more individuals and businesses are choosing online sales as a way to reach consumers. However, many still wonder: Is it mandatory to register a website when selling online in Vietnam? The answer depends on the type of website and the current legal regulations in Vietnam.

1. Types of E-commerce websites

According to Decree 52/2013/ND-CP on e-commerce and Circular 47/2014/TT-BCT, e-commerce websites are classified into two main categories:

• Sales Websites: These are websites created by individuals or organizations to showcase and sell their own products or services. Examples include business or personal websites like myshop.vn, congtyabc.com, etc.
• E-commerce Service Platforms: These are online marketplaces such as Shopee, Tiki, Lazada, and Sendo that allow multiple parties to conduct sales through their platform.

2. Is website registration required for online sales?

Cases Where Website Notification/Registration is REQUIRED

• If you create your own website to sell your products (i.e., a sales website), you are required to notify the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) through the E-commerce Management Portal: www.online.gov.vn
• If you develop an e-commerce trading platform, an online promotion website, or an online auction website, you must register with the MOIT.

Note: Failure to properly notify or register may result in fines ranging from VND 10 to 40 million, as stipulated in Decree 98/2020/ND-CP.

Cases Where Notification/Registration is NOT REQUIRED

If you sell products via social media platforms like Facebook, Zalo, or TikTok Shop, or through e-commerce marketplaces like Shopee or Lazada, then you do not need to notify or register a website, as you are not operating a separate website of your own.

3. Procedure for notifying a sales website

For sales websites established by individuals or businesses, the notification process to the Ministry of Industry and Trade includes the following steps:

• Complete the website content in accordance with regulations, including:
  • Full information about the business and the Enterprise Registration Certificate
  • Contact information
  • Policies on sales, delivery, payment, returns/exchanges, and warranty
  • Customer information privacy policy
  • Detailed descriptions of goods/services offered
  • Other mandatory content as required by the Ministry of Industry and Trade
• Declare the website information, including domain name, content, and types of goods/services offered.
• Submit the application online for approval (usually takes 3–7 working days).
• Receive confirmation via email once approved and complete the notification process.

4. Important notes

• Sales websites must clearly disclose business/individual information, terms of transaction, return/refund policies, payment methods, and customer data privacy policies.
• If your business operates multiple domains, each website must be notified individually.
• For FDI enterprises (foreign-invested enterprises) conducting e-commerce in Vietnam, additional conditions may apply, and an e-commerce business license may be required.

Online selling does not require website registration, unless you create and operate your own website for selling. In that case, you must complete the notification procedure with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to ensure legal compliance and avoid penalties. Understanding and following the correct regulations will help your online business operate smoothly, professionally, and sustainably.