The importation of automobiles into Vietnam is a conditional business line. Under the prevailing regulations, enterprises may only conduct automobile import activities after fully satisfying the prescribed conditions and obtaining an Automobile Import Business License from the competent authority.
The following article by Hong Bang Law Firm provides information on the legal basis, conditions, procedures, required application documents, and competent authority for the issuance of an Automobile Import Business License in accordance with current regulations.
1. Legal Basis
- Decree No. 116/2017/ND-CP of the Government prescribing conditions for the manufacture, assembly, importation, and provision of warranty and maintenance services for automobiles;
- Decree No. 117/2026/ND-CP dated April 3, 2026 of the Government amending and supplementing a number of articles of Decree No. 116/2017/ND-CP dated October 17, 2017 of the Government prescribing conditions for the manufacture, assembly, importation, and provision of warranty and maintenance services for automobiles.
2. Conditions for Issuance of an Automobile Import Business License
An enterprise established in accordance with the law shall be granted an Automobile Import Business License if it satisfies the following conditions:
- It has an automobile warranty and maintenance facility owned by the enterprise, or leased by the enterprise under a lease agreement, or belonging to the enterprise’s authorized dealer network, which satisfies the requirements prescribed by this Decree.
- It has a written confirmation or document proving that the enterprise is authorized to act on behalf of the foreign automobile manufacturer or assembler in carrying out recall orders for imported automobiles in Vietnam.
3. Application Dossier for an Automobile Import Business License
| No. | Required Document | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application for an Automobile Import Business License (Form No. 05, Appendix II issued together with Decree No. 116/2017/ND-CP) | Original: 01 |
| 2 | Documents proving that the enterprise satisfies the conditions for automobile importation prescribed in Article 15 of Decree No. 116/2017/ND-CP, specifically:
+ Documents proving that the enterprise has an automobile warranty and maintenance facility satisfying the conditions prescribed by this Decree: 01 copy. + A written confirmation or document proving that the enterprise is authorized to act on behalf of the foreign automobile manufacturer or assembler in carrying out recall orders for imported automobiles in Vietnam as prescribed in Clause 2, Article 15 of Decree No. 116/2017/ND-CP, which has been consularly legalized by a Vietnamese diplomatic mission abroad in accordance with the law: 01 copy. |
Copy: 01 |
4. Procedures for Issuance of an Automobile Import Business License
4.1. Procedures
1. The enterprise shall submit 01 dossier as prescribed in Clause 2, Article 16 of Decree No. 116/2017/ND-CP (as amended and supplemented by Decree No. 17/2020/ND-CP and Decree No. 117/2026/ND-CP), either directly or by post to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, or online through the National Public Service Portal.
2. If the dossier is incomplete or does not comply with the applicable regulations, within 07 working days from the date of receipt of the dossier, the Ministry of Industry and Trade shall issue a written request for the enterprise to supplement and complete the dossier in accordance with the regulations.
3. Within 10 working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid dossier, the Ministry of Industry and Trade shall consider and issue an Automobile Import Business License to the enterprise (Form No. 08 issued together with Decree No. 117/2026/ND-CP).
4. Where necessary, the Ministry of Industry and Trade shall notify the enterprise of the time for verification of the authenticity of the conditions prescribed in Article 15 of Decree No. 116/2017/ND-CP. The verification period shall not exceed 15 working days from the date of notification. Within 05 working days from the date on which the verification results are available, the Ministry of Industry and Trade shall consider issuing an Automobile Import Business License to the enterprise. If the license is not granted, the Ministry of Industry and Trade shall provide a written response stating the reasons for refusal.
5. The enterprise shall receive the Automobile Import Business License directly from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, by post (if requested), or through the National Public Service Portal.
4.2. Method of Submission
| Method of Submission | Processing Time | Fees and Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Online | 10 working days | Free of charge |
| By post | 10 working days | Free of charge |
| In person | 10 working days | Free of charge |
5. Competent Authority
- Authority receiving and processing the dossier: Import-Export Department
- Processing time: 05 working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid dossier.
The above provides an overview of the procedures for issuance of an Automobile Import Business License. Should you require further legal advice, detailed consultation, or information on how to access this service, please contact Lawyer Nguyen Duc Trong directly via hotline: 0912.35.65.75, or submit your service request via email: lienheluathongbang@gmail.com.
We wish you and your family good health, peace, and success!
Yours sincerely,
Hong Bang Law Firm./.
