Wine is a popular and widely consumed alcoholic beverage in Vietnam. Grasping consumer psychology, many businesses want to trade this item. For such businesses, a license to distribute alcohol is essential.

Hong Bang Law would like to provide advice and guidance on the procedure for applying for a license to distribute alcohol as follows:

Legal basis

Decree 105/2017/ND-CP on alcohol business

Decree 17/2020/ND-CP Amending and supplementing several articles of decrees related to investment conditions

Conditions

a) Being an enterprise established under the law

b) Having a wine distribution system in the area of 02 or more provinces and centrally-run cities (including the area where the enterprise’s head office is located); in each province, centrally run city, there must be at least 01 alcohol wholesaler. In case an enterprise has established a branch or a business location outside its head office to trade in alcohol, the certification of the alcohol wholesaler is not required.

c) There is a written introduction or a contract in the principle of the wine producer, other alcohol distributors, or overseas alcohol supplier.

Procedures

+ Traders distributing alcohol shall send one (01) dossier to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

+ Within 15 working days from the date of receipt of complete and valid dossiers, the Ministry of Industry and Trade shall consider, appraise and issue licenses to distribute alcohol to traders. In case of refusal, a written reply must be given clearly stating the reason.

+ In case there are not enough and valid dossiers, within 03 working days from the date of receiving the dossiers, the licensing agency must make a written request for additional dossiers.

Businesses that carry out procedures can do so in person, online, or using postal services

The dossiers

• 01 application for a license to distribute alcohol, made according to Form No. 01 issued together with Decree No. 17/2020/ND-CP.
• 01 Copy of Certificate of Business Registration or equivalent legal document.
• Documentation of alcohol distribution systems falls into one of two categories:
  • A copy of the principal contract, confirmation letter, or commitment to participate in the alcohol distribution system, together with a copy of the liquor wholesale license of the trader planning to participate in the alcohol distribution system; or
  • A copy of the enterprise’s branch operation registration certificate or the enterprise’s business location registration certificate for alcohol trading.
• Documents relating to alcohol suppliers:
  • 01 copy of the introductory documents or the principle contract of the wine producers, other alcohol distributors, or overseas alcohol suppliers, clearly stating the types of alcohol expected to be traded under the laws;
  • In case the alcohol supplier is a Trader, a copy of the Liquor Production License or Liquor Distribution License is required.

The competent authority

Department of Domestic Market – Ministry of Industry and Trade

Time

15 working days from the date of receipt of complete and valid documents

If you need more detailed advice and answers as well as how to access this service, please contact directly our Lawyer Nhat Nam via hotline: 0912.35.65.75, 0912.35.53.53 or call the toll free legal consultation hotline 1900.6575 or send a service request via email: lienheluathongbang@gmail.com

Wishing you and your family good health, peace, and success!

Best regards!