Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is Considered a Cosmetic Product in Vietnam? (Definition & Classification Guide)
• Regulatory Framework
• Who Can Apply for Cosmetic Registration?
• Required Documents
• Step-by-Step Process
• Post-Notification Obligations
• Common Pitfalls and Tips
• How Green NRJ Supports You
• Conclusion

I. Introduction: Unlocking Vietnam’s Booming Cosmetic Market

Vietnam’s Cosmetics Market Is Booming – Here’s How to Register Your Products Legally in 2025

Vietnam is experiencing rapid growth in the cosmetics and personal care industry, driven by a young population, increasing beauty awareness, and rising disposable income. This surge in demand for skincare, makeup, and personal care products presents major opportunities for both local businesses and international beauty brands.

However, before any cosmetic product—whether imported or locally manufactured—can be legally sold in Vietnam, it must undergo official product notification with the Ministry of Health (MoH).

Unlike some countries where cosmetics can be sold with minimal oversight, Vietnam has a mandatory cosmetic registration process to ensure product safety, transparency, and regulatory compliance.

In this comprehensive 2025 guide, Green NRJ explains everything you need to know about cosmetic registration in Vietnam, including:

• The official legal definition of cosmetics

• Key regulatory authorities and legal framework

• Required documents for imported and domestic products

• A step-by-step product notification process

• Common mistakes to avoid and compliance best practices

• How Green NRJ can support your cosmetic registration from start to finish

Whether you’re a global cosmetics company, a Vietnamese manufacturer, or a local distributor, mastering the cosmetic notification process in Vietnam is essential for a smooth and compliant product launch in 2025.

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

Before you begin the cosmetic registration process in Vietnam, it’s essential to understand what legally qualifies as a cosmetic product under Vietnamese regulations.

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.

III. 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.

IV. 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 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

V. Required Documents for Cosmetic Product Notification

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 indicate “cosmetic production/trading” as a registered business activity.
Letter of Authorization (LOA)	No	Yes	Required for foreign brands. Must be notarized, translated, and legalized.
Product Formula	Yes	Yes	Must list all ingredients with INCI names, concentrations, and intended functions.
Certificate of Free Sale (CFS)	No	Yes	Issued by the competent authority in the exporting country; must be legalized.
Product Label (with Vietnamese translation)	Yes	Yes	Must follow Ministry of Health (MoH) labeling guidelines (e.g., name, usage, expiry).
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.

VI. 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.

VII. 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

VIII. Common Pitfalls and Tips for a Smooth Registration

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).

IX. 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

X. 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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