Vietnam Draft Circular Enhances Supply Chain Transparency for High-Risk Goods

On 9 February 2026, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) circulates TBT notification on behalf of the notifying member, Vietnam( Ministry of Industry and Trade (Agency for Domestic Market Surveillance and Development)). Products Covered: Products and goods with high risk levels subject to traceability requirements under the management scope of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam. The Draft Circular establishes comprehensive traceability requirements for these high-risk products. It covers: 1. Principles and methods of product identification and traceability; 2. Minimum information requirements for traceability data; 3. Responsibilities of traders, producers, and importers; 4. Establishment, operation, and connection of internal traceability systems to the Ministry’s national Traceability System; 5. Consumer access to traceability information; 6. Management, suspension, and revocation of traceability codes; 7. Implementation roadmap and transitional provisions. Objective is to Protect consumers’ legitimate rights and interests; ensuring product quality and safety; enhancing transparency and traceability throughout supply chains; preventing fraud, misrepresentation of origin, and unfair trade practices; supporting digital transformation and effective state management; and ensuring consistency with national laws and Viet Nam’s international commitments (including consumer information, labelling, protection of human health or safety, and quality requirements). Timeline: The proposed adoption and entry into force are both set for April 2026, with the final date for comments fixed at 10 April 2026.