Trading in LPG cylinders is a conditional business line, under which traders operating LPG cylinder retail stores must satisfy requirements regarding their legal status as traders, LPG supply sources, and fire prevention and firefighting in accordance with applicable laws. Before commencing operations, a trader must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for an LPG Cylinder Retail Store in accordance with applicable regulations. What conditions must a trader satisfy to obtain the Certificate? What documents are required, and how is the application procedure carried out?
In the following article, Hong Bang Law Firm will provide an overview of the Certificate of Eligibility for an LPG Cylinder Retail Store under applicable laws.
LEGAL BASIS
- Decree No. 87/2018/ND-CP dated June 15, 2018, on gas trading;
- Decree No. 17/2020/ND-CP dated February 5, 2020, amending and supplementing a number of articles of Decrees concerning business investment conditions under the state management of the Ministry of Industry and Trade;
- Decree No. 139/2025/ND-CP dated June 12, 2025, providing for the division of authority of the two-tier local administration in fields under the state management of the Ministry of Industry and Trade;
- Other relevant legal documents.
CONDITIONS FOR OBTAINING THE CERTIFICATE
Under the regulations on gas trading, a trader operating an LPG cylinder retail store must satisfy the following conditions:
- Be a trader lawfully established in accordance with applicable laws;
- Have a contract with a minimum term of 01 year for the sale of LPG cylinders with a trader holding a valid Certificate of Eligibility, except where the LPG cylinder retail store is directly affiliated with the trader;
- Satisfy the applicable requirements on fire prevention and firefighting.
DOSSIER COMPONENTS
The dossier for obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility for an LPG Cylinder Retail Store comprises:
- An application for the Certificate of Eligibility for an LPG Cylinder Retail Store, using Form No. 05 in the Appendix issued together with Decree No. 87/2018/ND-CP;
- A copy of the contract for the sale of LPG cylinders with a trader holding a valid Certificate of Eligibility;
- Documents evidencing compliance with fire prevention and firefighting requirements.
COMPETENT AUTHORITY
The People’s Committee of the commune-level administrative unit where the LPG cylinder retail store is located is the competent authority for carrying out the procedure for issuance of the Certificate of Eligibility.
Step 1: Preparation and Submission of the Dossier
The trader shall prepare 01 dossier for issuance of the Certificate and submit it to the competent commune-level People’s Committee through one of the following methods:
- In person;
- Online;
- Via public postal service.
Step 2: Dossier Review
If the dossier is incomplete or invalid, the competent authority shall notify the trader to supplement and complete the dossier in accordance with applicable regulations.
Step 3: Appraisal and Issuance of the Certificate
Within 15 working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid dossier, the competent authority shall review and appraise the dossier and issue the Certificate of Eligibility for an LPG Cylinder Retail Store to the trader.
In case of refusal to issue the Certificate, the competent authority shall provide a written response stating the reasons for such refusal.
PROCESSING TIME
The processing time is 15 working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid dossier. The procedure may be carried out in person, online, or via public postal service.
FEES AND CHARGES
Fees and charges shall be paid in accordance with applicable laws on fees and charges.
VALIDITY PERIOD OF THE CERTIFICATE
The Certificate of Eligibility for an LPG Cylinder Retail Store is valid for 10 years from the date of issuance.
The above is our article on the Certificate of Eligibility for an LPG Cylinder Retail Store (LPG Cylinder/Gas Cylinder Retail Store). Should you require further legal advice or detailed information on the procedure and our related legal services, please contact Lawyer Nguyễn Đức Trọng via hotline: 0912.35.65.75, or send your service request via email: lawyer@hongbanglawfirm.com.
We wish you and your family good health and success!
Sincerely,
