Cosmetic Registration in Vietnam 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to Success and Compliance

Introduction: Understanding Cosmetic Registration in Vietnam’s Thriving Beauty Industry

Vietnam’s cosmetics market is booming, fueled by a youthful population, increasing beauty awareness, and rising disposable income. This growth presents lucrative opportunities for both local enterprises and international beauty brands looking to enter or expand in the Vietnamese market.

But before any cosmetic product—whether imported or locally manufactured—can be sold legally, it must undergo a cosmetic registration process, officially known as the Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN), with the Ministry of Health (MoH). This mandatory cosmetic registration in Vietnam ensures that all products comply with the country’s strict safety and regulatory standards.

Unlike markets with looser controls, Vietnam enforces a compulsory CPN system for all cosmetics, placing legal responsibility on businesses to comply with local laws. Skipping this step can result in product bans, fines, or loss of market access.

In this definitive 2025 guide, Green NRJ walks you through every aspect of the cosmetic product notification process in Vietnam, including:

• The official definition of cosmetics under Vietnamese law

• Key regulatory bodies and the legal framework governing CPN

• Required documents for both imported and domestic products

• Step-by-step guidance on how to complete a cosmetic registration in Vietnam

• Common pitfalls to avoid and compliance tips

• How Green NRJ can assist you with end-to-end cosmetic product notification (CPN) services

Whether you’re a multinational beauty brand, a Vietnamese cosmetics manufacturer, or a local importer, understanding and completing the cosmetic product notification process is essential for a smooth and compliant market entry in 2025.

What Is Considered a Cosmetic Product in Vietnam? (Definition & Classification Guide)

Official Definition of Cosmetics in Vietnam

According to Vietnamese law—harmonized with the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive—a cosmetic is defined as:

“Any substance or preparation intended to be placed in contact with the external parts of the human body (epidermis, hair system, nails, lips, and external genital organs) or with the teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, with the primary purpose of cleaning, perfuming, changing appearance, protecting, maintaining condition, or correcting body odours.”

This legal definition closely follows that of other ASEAN countries, but actual classification can vary based on product ingredients, intended use, and claims made on the packaging.

Cosmetic or Drug? Key Distinctions in Vietnam

Some products marketed as cosmetics in other countries may be classified as drugs, functional foods, or medical devices in Vietnam. This distinction has major implications for regulatory approval and product launch timelines.

Common Examples of Misclassification:

• Acne Creams with ingredients like Tretinoin or Benzoyl Peroxide: These are considered medicinal products and require drug registration, not cosmetic notification.

• High-SPF Sunscreens with therapeutic or pharmaceutical claims: These may face extra scrutiny and require approvals beyond the cosmetic framework.

Compliance Tip: Avoid Therapeutic Claims

To comply with Vietnamese cosmetic regulations and the ASEAN Cosmetic Claims Guidelines, make sure your labeling and advertising:

• Do not suggest medical or therapeutic effects (e.g., “cures acne,” “treats eczema”)

• Stick to allowable cosmetic claims like “moisturizes,” “brightens skin tone,” or “reduces appearance of wrinkles”

• Avoid unsubstantiated or misleading claims that could reclassify your product as a drug

Understanding these legal definitions and classification rules is the first step to ensuring a smooth cosmetic registration in Vietnam. Misclassifying your product could lead to regulatory delays, fines, or even product bans.

What Is Cosmetic Product Notification in Vietnam? (Definition & Purpose)

Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) is the official regulatory procedure required by the Vietnamese Ministry of Health (MoH) to legally allow the sale, importation, and distribution of cosmetic products in Vietnam. Unlike a full pre-market approval process, Vietnam follows a notification-based system aligned with the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD).

This means that businesses must submit a complete and accurate dossier of their cosmetic product to the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) via the MoH’s online Cosmetic Notification Portal. Once the application is reviewed and accepted, the product is assigned a Cosmetic Product Notification Number—a unique identifier that confirms compliance with Vietnamese safety, labeling, and regulatory requirements.

Key Features of Cosmetic Product Notification:

• Mandatory for all cosmetic products marketed in Vietnam, whether imported or locally produced.

• Not a license or certificate, but a formal acknowledgement of compliance.

• The responsibility for product safety and regulatory adherence rests fully on the applicant.

• The notification number is valid for 5 years and requires renewal before expiry.

• No cosmetic product may be legally imported, advertised, or sold without a valid notification number issued by DAV.

Why Cosmetic Product Notification Matters:

Vietnam’s notification system ensures that only safe, compliant cosmetics enter the market, protecting consumers and maintaining fair competition. It also provides legal clarity and accountability for businesses operating in the country.

Important: Selling or distributing cosmetics without completing the Cosmetic Product Notification can lead to serious consequences, including product seizures, fines, and bans.

Regulatory Framework: Understanding the Legal Landscape

Understanding the legal framework governing cosmetic products in Vietnam is crucial for businesses aiming to register and distribute cosmetics legally. Vietnam’s regulations are built on a combination of national laws and regional agreements, particularly the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD).

Below are the key legal documents and regulatory authorities you must know when registering cosmetics in Vietnam.

1. Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT – Core Cosmetic Regulation

Issued by the Ministry of Health, Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT serves as the primary legal document regulating cosmetic management in Vietnam. It outlines:

• Cosmetic product classification criteria

• Required documents for cosmetic notification

• Rules on labeling and advertising of cosmetics

• Administrative penalties for non-compliance

This circular is the foundation for cosmetic product notification procedures in Vietnam.

2. ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD)

As a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Vietnam fully implements the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive. The ACD promotes regulatory harmonization across member countries by establishing unified standards on:

• Cosmetic safety and quality

• Labeling requirements

• Prohibited and restricted substances

• Product claims and classification

Businesses must ensure their products comply with both Vietnamese regulations and the ACD to avoid delays or rejections.

3. Decree 93/2016/ND-CP – Licensing and Operations for Cosmetic Companies

This decree regulates the conditions for establishing and operating cosmetic manufacturing or trading companies in Vietnam. It covers:

• Licensing procedures for cosmetic businesses

• Facility and equipment standards

• Staff qualification requirements

• Compliance for production and distribution facilities

Any company planning to produce or import cosmetics in Vietnam must meet the standards outlined in Decree 93/2016/ND-CP.

4. Competent Authority: Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV)

The Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV), under the Ministry of Health, is the official regulatory body overseeing cosmetic products. DAV is responsible for:

• Receiving and reviewing cosmetic notification dossiers

• Issuing notification numbers for approved products

• Post-market surveillance and inspection

• Handling recalls and regulatory violations

Compliance Tip: Businesses should regularly monitor DAV’s online system and announcements for updates on cosmetic regulations, banned substances, and procedural changes.

Who Can Apply for Cosmetic Registration in Vietnam?

To legally register and distribute cosmetic products in Vietnam, only certain business entities are authorized to submit a Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) to the Ministry of Health (MoH). Understanding who can apply is essential for ensuring compliance with Vietnamese law and avoiding regulatory delays.

1. Local Vietnamese Companies – Direct Applicants

Local Vietnamese businesses can directly apply for cosmetic product registration if they are responsible for placing the product on the market. These may include:

• Cosmetic manufacturers in Vietnam

• Trading companies dealing in cosmetics

• Official distributors or resellers

To be eligible, the company must possess a valid Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC) that includes cosmetics-related business activities.

2. Foreign Companies – Must Appoint a Local Representative

Foreign cosmetic brands are not allowed to submit cosmetic notifications directly to the Vietnamese authorities. Instead, they are required to appoint an authorized local Vietnamese entity to act on their behalf. Acceptable local representatives include:

• Licensed importers of cosmetics

• Exclusive distributors in Vietnam

• Vietnam-based subsidiaries or branches

This partnership must be formalized with a Letter of Authorization (LOA), which:

• Must be signed by the foreign brand

• Requires notarization and legalization (either consular legalization or apostille, depending on the country of origin)

• Must clearly specify the scope and validity of the authorization

Required Documents for Cosmetic Registration: Complete Checklist for Vietnam

A complete and accurate dossier is essential for successfully submitting a cosmetic product notification in Vietnam. Incomplete, missing, or incorrectly prepared documents are among the top reasons for rejection by the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV).

Below is the updated list of required documents for cosmetic notification in Vietnam, applicable to both local manufacturers and importers.

Document	Required for Local Manufacturers	Required for Importers	Explanation
Enterprise Registration Certificate	Yes	Yes	Must be issued by the Department of Planning and Investment. It must include cosmetic manufacturing or trading as a registered business line.
Letter of Authorization (LOA)	No	Yes	Required for foreign brands. Must be signed by the brand owner, notarized, translated into Vietnamese, and consular legalized in Vietnam. This authorizes the local entity to act as the Cosmetic Notification Holder (CNH).
Product Formula	Yes	Yes	Must contain the full list of ingredients using INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) names, along with their exact concentrations. The formula must comply with ASEAN restrictions.
Certificate of Free Sale (CFS)	No	Yes	Must be issued by the competent authority in the exporting country, proving that the product is legally sold there. The CFS must be legalized by the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in the exporting country.
Product Label (with Vietnamese translation)	Yes	Yes	Labels must follow the Vietnam Ministry of Health’s labeling requirements
Statement of Product Safety	Yes	Yes	Confirms the product is safe for human use, per ASEAN Cosmetic Directive.

Translation & Legalization:

• All documents in a foreign language must be translated into Vietnamese and notarized by a Vietnamese authority or licensed service provider.

• CFS and LOA must be legalized by the Vietnamese Embassy in the exporting country.

Step-by-Step Process for Cosmetic Registration in Vietnam

To legally sell or import cosmetic products in Vietnam, businesses must complete the cosmetic product notification process via the Ministry of Health (MoH)’s online portal. Below is a detailed, updated step-by-step guide to help you navigate the cosmetic registration process in Vietnam efficiently.

Step 1: Prepare the Cosmetic Notification Dossier

Start by compiling all required documents for cosmetic notification. Accuracy and completeness are key to avoiding delays or rejection.

• Collect all necessary documents: ERC, LOA, product formula, label, CFS, and product safety statement.

• Ensure consistency with ASEAN Cosmetic Directive and Vietnamese regulations.

• Translate foreign-language documents into Vietnamese.

• Legalize key documents (CFS and LOA) at the Vietnamese Embassy in the country of origin.

• Verify ingredient lists and avoid prohibited substances.

• Make sure claims on the product label do not imply therapeutic or medical effects.

Step 2: Submit the Application via the MoH Online Portal

The cosmetic registration in Vietnam is processed entirely online through the Vietnam Ministry of Health’s Cosmetic Notification Portal.

• Register a business account on the portal: https://vnsw.gov.vn

• Upload all documents in accepted formats (PDF, DOC, etc.)

• Pay the official government fee of 500,000 VND per product (non-refundable) via online payment methods

Tip: Make sure filenames are clear and documents are organized by product to avoid confusion during the DAV review.

Step 3: Review by the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV)

Once submitted, the dossier is reviewed by the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV).

• Processing time: Approximately 30–45 working days

• If any issue is found, DAV will issue a correction notice

• You must respond and resubmit corrected documents within 15–30 days, or the application will be automatically canceled

Step 4: Receive the Cosmetic Product Notification Number

If approved, DAV will issue an official Cosmetic Product Notification Number (Số tiếp nhận công bố mỹ phẩm). This serves as the legal basis for:

• Importing cosmetic products into Vietnam

• Marketing and selling cosmetics in Vietnam

• Distribution to retail channels or partners

Validity: The notification number is valid for 5 years and must be renewed before expiry to maintain legal status.

Post-Notification Obligations and Ongoing Compliance

Registering a cosmetic product with the Ministry of Health (MoH) is only the beginning. To ensure continued legal marketing and distribution of cosmetics in Vietnam, companies must fulfill several post-notification obligations and maintain full regulatory compliance throughout the product lifecycle.

Key Compliance Requirements After Cosmetic Notification in Vietnam

Once your cosmetic product notification number is issued by the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV), you are legally responsible for meeting the following ongoing obligations:

1. Use the Notification Number Correctly

• Display the Cosmetic Product Notification Number on relevant documents and packaging (if applicable).

• Ensure the number is consistent with what is registered in the MoH system.

 2. Report Serious Adverse Events (SAEs)

• Immediately report any serious adverse reactions or health risks linked to your cosmetic product to the DAV.

• Maintain a post-market surveillance system to track product safety.

3. Avoid Misleading or False Advertising

• Do not make claims that suggest therapeutic or medicinal effects (e.g., “treats acne,” “heals eczema”).

• All marketing must comply with the ASEAN Cosmetic Claims Guidelines and Vietnam’s advertising laws.

4. Renew Before Expiry

• A cosmetic notification number in Vietnam is valid for 5 years.

• Submit your renewal application before the expiry date to avoid product suspension or delisting.

5. Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with post-notification requirements can lead to serious penalties, including:

• Administrative fines and sanctions

• Product recall from the Vietnamese market

• Suspension or revocation of your cosmetic registration

Common Pitfalls and Tips for a Smooth Registration

The cosmetic registration process Vietnam involves several clear steps to legally sell or import cosmetic products in Vietnam. This cosmetic product notification Vietnam process is managed online via the Ministry of Health portal and includes dossier submission, review by DAV, and issuance of a cosmetic product notification number.

Successfully navigating the cosmetic product registration process in Vietnam requires careful preparation and attention to regulatory details. Many companies—especially foreign brands—face delays, rejections, or even penalties due to avoidable mistakes.

Below are the most common errors made during the cosmetic notification process in Vietnam, along with expert tips to help you ensure a smooth and compliant registration.

Top Mistakes to Avoid in Vietnam Cosmetic Notification

1. Submitting Incomplete or Inaccurate Dossiers

   • Missing documents, incorrect formats, or mismatched information can lead to rejection by the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV).

2. Poor or Inaccurate Vietnamese Translations

   • All foreign documents must be translated and notarized properly. Misinterpretations may result in non-compliance.

3. Making Prohibited Marketing Claims

   • Terms like “treats acne,” “heals eczema,” or other therapeutic promises are banned under ASEAN Cosmetic Claims Guidelines.

4. Incorrect or Missing Product Labels in Vietnamese

   • Labels must follow the Ministry of Health’s labeling regulations, including all mandatory elements in Vietnamese.

5. Failure to Renew the Notification on Time

   • Notification numbers are valid for 5 years. Missed renewals may result in product delisting and loss of market access.

Best Practices for Smooth Cosmetic Registration in Vietnam

1. Consult Regulatory Experts Early

   • Work with a Vietnam cosmetic registration consultant to ensure your documents meet MoH and ASEAN standards.

2. Perform a Pre-Submission Compliance Check

   • Verify your product formula, labeling, and claims are aligned with Vietnam’s legal requirements before submission.

3. Stay Updated on MoH and DAV Announcements

   • Regulations and procedures may change. Regularly check official sources or subscribe to regulatory alerts.

4. Appoint a Reliable Local Representative (for Imported Products)

   • Foreign companies must authorize a local importer or subsidiary to submit the notification on their behalf via a Letter of Authorization (LOA).

How Green NRJ Supports Your Cosmetic Business in Vietnam

At Green NRJ, we understand that navigating Vietnam’s regulatory landscape can be challenging for foreign companies and startups. We offer a full-service cosmetic registration solution tailored to your product and brand goals.

Our services include:

• Regulatory strategy and eligibility check

• Dossier compilation, translation & notarization

• Online submission and coordination with DAV

• Handling clarifications and re-submissions

• Post-registration support & compliance monitoring

With Green NRJ, you benefit from:

• Fast turnaround

• Transparent pricing

• Professional legal support

• 100% compliance guaranteed

Conclusion: Bring Your Cosmetic Products to Vietnam Legally and Smoothly

Vietnam offers a huge opportunity for beauty and personal care brands. However, to legally access this growing market, businesses must go through a strict but manageable notification process.

By understanding the legal framework, preparing a complete dossier, and working with a trusted local partner like Green NRJ, your product launch can be timely, compliant, and successful.

✅ Ready to register your cosmetic products in Vietnam?

📞 Contact Green NRJ today for a free consultation and personalized registration plan.
Let’s grow your beauty business together — the legal, smart, and seamless way.

 

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