E-Commerce Website Notification and Registration in Vietnam

This guide explains how to notify or register an e-commerce website with Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade. It is intended to help businesses identify the correct procedure, prepare their website and supporting information, and avoid common compliance mistakes.

Website owners should first determine whether their platform is:

• An e-commerce sales website operated to sell the owner’s own goods or services; or
• An e-commerce service website that allows third parties to conduct commercial activities.

The classification is important because a sales website generally follows the notification procedure, while an e-commerce service website generally requires registration.

For a broader introduction to online selling platforms, see Viet SEO’s guide to e-commerce websites and their benefits for businesses.

Website Notification vs. Registration

“Notification” and “registration” are not interchangeable procedures.

A business should evaluate the website’s actual functions rather than relying only on its name or design.

For example, a corporate website that only introduces services and publishes contact information is different from a website that allows customers to select services, submit an order, make a booking, place products in a cart, or otherwise initiate an online transaction.

Current Legal Framework

The principal legal framework for e-commerce website management in Vietnam includes:

• Decree No. 52/2013/ND-CP on e-commerce;
• Decree No. 85/2021/ND-CP amending and supplementing Decree No. 52/2013/ND-CP;
• Circular No. 47/2014/TT-BCT regulating the management of e-commerce websites; and
• Other applicable regulations relating to consumer protection, personal data, advertising, taxation, specialized goods, and administrative penalties.

The legal requirements applicable to a specific website may change according to its business model, products, customers, payment process, and data-processing activities.

Important: This article provides general compliance guidance and should not be treated as a substitute for advice from a qualified Vietnamese legal professional.

Why Complete the Required Procedure?

1. Support Legal Compliance

Completing the correct procedure helps demonstrate that the website owner has reviewed and addressed its responsibilities under Vietnam’s e-commerce regulations.

Operating a website that is subject to notification or registration without completing the required procedure may expose the owner to administrative action and corrective requirements.

2. Increase Business Transparency

The website must clearly identify the responsible merchant, organization, or individual and provide information about its goods, services, transaction process, and customer policies.

This information allows customers to understand who operates the website and how transactions are handled.

3. Strengthen Customer Confidence

After the procedure is completed, the website can display the applicable Ministry of Industry and Trade confirmation link or logo in accordance with the official instructions.

Visitors can use the link to review the website’s public record on the official e-commerce management system.

The confirmation does not guarantee product quality, prevent every dispute, certify all website content, or replace other licenses required for regulated business activities.

4. Improve Internal Business Processes

Preparing the application often encourages a company to review important operational areas, including:

• Ordering procedures;
• Pricing and payment;
• Delivery and service fulfillment;
• Returns, refunds, and warranties;
• Customer complaints;
• Personal-information handling; and
• Business contact information.

Which Websites Generally Require Notification?

An e-commerce sales website generally requires notification when it is established by a merchant, organization, or individual to promote and sell its own goods or services and includes an online ordering function.

An online ordering function may include:

• A shopping cart;
• An online checkout process;
• An electronic order form;
• An online booking function;
• A function allowing customers to select goods or services and submit a purchase request; or
• Another digital process through which the customer initiates a transaction.

Online payment is not the only factor. A website may still have an online ordering function when customers submit orders online but pay later by bank transfer, cash on delivery, or another offline method.

Examples of Sales Websites

• A company selling products through its own online store;
• A restaurant website that accepts food orders;
• A hotel or service website that accepts online bookings;
• A manufacturer accepting purchase requests through an order form; and
• A training provider selling and enrolling customers in its own courses.

Which Websites Generally Require Registration?

A website generally requires registration when it provides an e-commerce service that allows third parties to conduct commercial activities on the platform.

1. E-Commerce Marketplaces

This category may include websites that allow participants to:

• Create stores or product listings;
• Create accounts to enter into transactions with customers;
• Post notices offering goods or services; or
• Connect buyers and third-party sellers.

2. Online Auction Websites

These websites provide an environment in which participating organizations or individuals can conduct auctions according to the platform’s rules.

3. Online Promotion Platforms

These platforms provide promotional e-commerce services for other merchants, organizations, or individuals.

4. Other Intermediary Platforms

A platform may require registration when it facilitates transactions between third parties, even when its business model does not use the familiar label “marketplace.”

Businesses operating classified listings, booking intermediaries, multi-vendor platforms, service marketplaces, or similar systems should request a specific legal assessment.

Which Websites May Not Require Notification?

A website that only presents corporate information, news, contact details, or a catalogue without an online ordering function may fall outside the website-notification requirement.

However, the classification should be reviewed carefully when the website contains:

• Request-a-quote forms;
• Booking forms;
• Product-selection tools;
• Deposit or payment buttons;
• Order forms sent through the website;
• Integrated chat-based ordering; or
• Links that transfer users directly into an ordering workflow.

The presence of any one feature does not always determine the result by itself. The complete transaction process should be considered.

Information Required on an E-Commerce Sales Website

Before submitting a notification, the website should clearly disclose information about the website owner and the transaction process.

1. Business Identification

The website should display relevant information such as:

• Registered business, organization, household-business, or individual name;
• Enterprise, establishment, or tax identification information where applicable;
• Registered or business address;
• Telephone number;
• Email address or another contact channel; and
• Information about the person or entity responsible for the website.

This information is commonly placed in the footer and on a dedicated contact or company-information page.

2. Product and Service Information

Descriptions should be sufficiently clear for customers to understand the principal characteristics of the goods or services before submitting an order.

Additional disclosure may be required for regulated or specialized products.

3. Pricing Information

The website should explain:

• Selling prices;
• Whether taxes are included;
• Delivery or service charges;
• Additional fees; and
• Conditions affecting the final amount payable.

4. Ordering Process

Customers should be able to understand:

• How to place an order;
• How the order is reviewed or confirmed;
• How errors can be corrected;
• When a transaction becomes binding; and
• How the customer can contact the seller about the order.

5. Payment Policy

The website should describe its accepted payment methods and any applicable payment conditions.

6. Delivery or Service Fulfillment Policy

The policy may need to explain:

• Delivery areas;
• Estimated fulfillment time;
• Shipping charges;
• Inspection procedures;
• Delivery responsibilities; and
• How delays or failed deliveries are handled.

7. Return, Refund, and Warranty Policy

The website should clearly explain the circumstances, deadlines, costs, and procedures applicable to returns, refunds, exchanges, cancellations, or warranties.

8. Privacy and Personal-Information Policy

The privacy notice should reflect the website’s actual data-handling practices.

Depending on the website, it may describe:

• What personal information is collected;
• Why it is collected;
• How it is used;
• Who may receive it;
• How long it is retained;
• How it is protected;
• How customers can request access or correction; and
• How customers can contact the responsible party.

9. Complaint and Dispute Resolution

The website should provide a clear method for customers to submit complaints and request assistance.

Additional Requirements for E-Commerce Service Websites

Registration generally requires more detailed documentation than notification.

Depending on the platform, the application may require:

• Business or organization establishment documents;
• An e-commerce service-provision plan;
• Website operating regulations;
• Descriptions of transaction and payment processes;
• Participant-management procedures;
• Consumer-protection measures;
• Information-management procedures;
• Complaint and dispute-resolution procedures;
• Measures for handling prohibited goods, services, or conduct; and
• Other documents requested for the specific operating model.

The operating regulations should match the actual website functions. Generic policies copied from an unrelated platform may delay review or create compliance risks.

How to Notify an E-Commerce Sales Website

Step 1: Review the Website

Confirm that:

• The domain is active;
• The website can be accessed publicly;
• The owner’s legal information is displayed;
• Required policies are complete;
• The ordering process works correctly; and
• The submitted information matches the website.

Step 2: Create an Account on the Official Portal

Access the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s e-commerce management portal and create an account for the responsible merchant, organization, or individual.

The application normally requires identification and contact information corresponding to the website owner.

Step 3: Wait for Account Confirmation

The authority reviews the account information and may approve it or request corrections.

Monitor both the portal account and the registered email address for notices.

Step 4: Submit the Website Notification

Select the website-notification procedure and enter the required information, which may include:

• Website name and domain;
• Website owner;
• Business sector;
• Types of goods or services;
• Ordering functions;
• Contact information; and
• Other declarations requested by the system.

Step 5: Correct or Supplement the Application

If the authority requests changes, update both the website and the online declaration where necessary.

After making the corrections, ensure that the application is submitted again rather than left in draft status.

Step 6: Receive Confirmation

When the notification is accepted, the website owner receives confirmation through the official system.

Step 7: Display the Official Confirmation Link

Add the official notification logo or link to the website according to the supplied instructions.

The logo should link to the corresponding record on the Ministry’s system.

Do not copy or display a confirmation logo before the procedure has been completed.

How to Register an E-Commerce Service Website

Step 1: Review the Business Model

Identify:

• Who can participate;
• What products or services are offered;
• How listings are created;
• How contracts are formed;
• How payments are handled;
• How complaints are resolved; and
• How violations are detected and addressed.

Step 2: Prepare the Website

The website should be operational enough for its functions, policies, participant rules, and transaction flows to be reviewed.

Step 3: Prepare the Registration Documents

Prepare documents appropriate to the platform model, including its operating regulations and service-provision plan.

Step 4: Submit the Online Application

Enter the required information and upload the requested documents through the official portal.

Step 5: Address Review Comments

Registration applications commonly require clarification or revision because the authority reviews both the documentation and the actual website.

Step 6: Complete Any Final Document Requirements

Follow the instructions provided through the official system concerning any additional electronic or documentary requirements.

Step 7: Display the Registration Link

After approval, display the official registration logo or link in accordance with the confirmation instructions.

Processing Time and Cost

Government Processing Time

The processing period depends on:

• Whether the correct procedure was selected;
• Whether the submitted information is complete;
• Whether the website policies meet applicable requirements;
• Whether the application requires correction;
• The complexity of the business model; and
• The authority’s review workload.

A straightforward website notification may be processed relatively quickly when no amendment is requested. Registration of an e-commerce service website normally involves a more detailed review and may take longer.

Businesses should avoid announcing a guaranteed approval date.

Government Fee and Professional Service Fee

The online notification or registration procedure should be distinguished from the fee charged by a professional consultant.

Viet SEO’s service fee, where applicable, covers agreed work such as:

• Reviewing the website;
• Identifying missing information;
• Preparing or improving policy content;
• Assisting with the online application;
• Responding to amendment requests; and
• Supporting placement of the official confirmation link.

Common Reasons an Application Requires Revision

1. Incorrect Website Classification

The owner submits a notification even though the platform allows third-party sellers, or submits a registration when the website only sells its own products.

2. Inconsistent Business Information

The company name, tax code, address, domain owner, or legal representative does not match the submitted documents.

3. Missing or Incomplete Policies

The website does not clearly explain payment, delivery, returns, privacy, complaints, or transaction procedures.

4. Policies Do Not Match Actual Operations

For example, the website states that it accepts online payment even though no payment function exists, or promises a return policy the company does not apply.

5. Website Is Not Publicly Accessible

The reviewer cannot access the website, ordering process, policy pages, or required information.

6. Application Is Left in Draft

The applicant edits the declaration but does not click the final submission button.

7. Premature Use of the Ministry Logo

The website displays a notification or registration logo before approval or links it to an incorrect page.

8. Incomplete Platform Regulations

An e-commerce service website lacks clear participant obligations, prohibited conduct, complaint procedures, or enforcement measures.

Responsibilities After Notification or Registration

Completion of the initial procedure is not the end of the website owner’s responsibilities.

The owner should:

• Keep website information accurate;
• Update the relevant declaration when required information changes;
• Maintain the required policies;
• Protect customer information;
• Handle complaints and disputes;
• Comply with product-specific laws;
• Remove prohibited or unlawful content;
• Maintain evidence of transactions where required; and
• Complete reporting obligations applicable to its platform type.

Changes involving the domain, website owner, business model, or service functions may require an update, amendment, re-notification, or re-registration.

Benefits of Professional Compliance Support

1. Correct Procedure Selection

A preliminary review helps distinguish a sales website from a marketplace or another e-commerce service platform.

2. Website Readiness Review

Missing business information, transaction instructions, or customer policies can be identified before submission.

3. Consistent Application Information

The website, business documents, and online declaration can be reviewed for inconsistencies.

4. Support With Amendment Requests

When the authority requests clarification, professional assistance can help the applicant understand and address the requested changes.

5. Reduced Administrative Work

The business can focus on operations while receiving assistance with preparation and submission.

Why Choose Viet SEO?

Viet SEO has provided website development, hosting, maintenance, security, SEO, and online-business support since 2007.

Our website notification and registration support may include:

• Initial website classification;
• Review of business information;
• Review of ordering and transaction functions;
• Policy-page preparation or improvement;
• Assistance creating the portal account;
• Preparation and submission support;
• Assistance responding to amendment requests;
• Technical changes to website content where agreed; and
• Placement of the official confirmation link after approval.

Viet SEO cannot guarantee approval because the final decision belongs to the competent authority. Approval time also depends on the application, website, requested amendments, and official review process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every company website need to be notified?

No. A company-information website without an online ordering function may not fall within the notification requirement. The actual functions should be reviewed before reaching a conclusion.

Does a website require notification if it has no online payment?

It may. Online payment is not the decisive factor. A website that allows customers to place or initiate an order online may still require notification.

Is notification the same as registration?

No. Notification generally applies to a website selling the owner’s own goods or services. Registration generally applies to an e-commerce service platform used by third parties.

Does an online marketplace only need notification?

Generally no. A platform that enables third parties to offer or sell goods and services normally requires registration as an e-commerce service website.

Can I display the Ministry of Industry and Trade logo before approval?

No. The official confirmation should only be displayed after the corresponding procedure has been completed and should link to the correct record.

Does approval certify the quality of my products?

No. Notification or registration confirms completion of an e-commerce administrative procedure. It does not certify product quality or replace specialized licenses.

Does completing the procedure protect my trademark?

No. Trademark and intellectual-property protection involve separate legal procedures.

Can an individual complete the procedure?

Eligibility depends on the operating model and applicable business-registration requirements. The applicant’s legal status and website activities should be reviewed before submission.

How long does the procedure take?

The period varies. Notification may be relatively quick when the declaration is complete, while registration normally requires a more detailed review. Amendment requests extend the overall timeline.

Is the procedure completed by sending a paper application directly to the Ministry?

The primary process is conducted through the official online e-commerce management system. Applicants should follow the current instructions shown in their account for any additional documentary requirements.

What happens if the website changes after approval?

The owner should review whether the changed information, domain, operator, policies, or business model must be updated through the official system.

Request a Website Compliance Review

Viet SEO can review your website and help determine whether it is more likely to require notification or registration.

Our review can consider:

• The website owner;
• The ordering process;
• Whether third parties participate;
• Products and services;
• Payment and delivery methods;
• Customer policies;
• Business information; and
• Current website content.

Contact Viet SEO:

• Phone and Zalo: +84 917 212 969
• Contact person: Mr. Viet
• Service area: Vietnam and international markets

Complete the correct procedure based on your website’s real business model—not simply its appearance or marketing name.