Update Now: Decision 36/2025/QĐ‑TTg and Vietnam’s VSIC 2025 Explained

From November 15, 2025, Vietnam is implementing a transformative update in its economic classification framework. Decision 36/2025/QĐ‑TTg officially introduces the Vietnam Standard Industrial Classification (VSIC 2025), replacing the previous 2018 system. This update represents a significant step toward modernizing how economic activities are categorized in Vietnam, affecting business registration, statistical reporting, and government databases. For companies operating in the country, understanding VSIC 2025 is no longer optional — it is essential for compliance, strategic planning, and capturing emerging opportunities. In this article, Green NRJ explains what Decision 36/2025/QĐ‑TTg entails, how it impacts businesses and investors, and how our services can help your company navigate this critical transition.

What Is Decision 36/2025/QĐ‑TTg and Why It Matters

Decision 36/2025/QĐ‑TTg, signed on September 29, 2025, establishes a new standardized system for classifying economic activities in Vietnam. Known as VSIC 2025, it replaces the old Decision 27/2018/QĐ‑TTg and becomes effective from November 15, 2025. The primary purpose of this reform is to unify classifications across national statistics, administrative registries, and government databases, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and international alignment. For businesses, understanding and applying the new VSIC codes is crucial not only for regulatory compliance but also for strategic positioning, investment planning, and operational optimization. Green NRJ provides guidance to help businesses understand the nuances of this update and adjust their operations accordingly.

Key Changes Introduced in VSIC 2025

VSIC 2025 under Decision 36/2025/QĐ‑TTg is organized into five hierarchical levels, delivering a more precise and modern economic classification framework in Vietnam.

• Level 1 includes 22 sectors, labeled from A to V, with the addition of sector “V” specifically for international organizations and agencies.

• Level 2 comprises 87 subsectors, each assigned a two‑digit code from 01 to 99.

• Level 3 is further broken down into 259 groups, using three‑digit codes from 011 to 990.

• Level 4 contains 495 classes, with four-digit codes ranging from 0111 to 9900.

• Level 5, the most detailed level, consists of 743 subclasses, coded from 01110 to 99000.

The criteria for determining an economic sector under this system have been clearly defined and prioritized: (1) the production process of the economic activity; (2) the input materials used; and (3) the characteristics of the output products.

These refinements enable businesses to classify their operations more accurately, reducing ambiguity and overlap among sectors. This level of precision benefits regulators, statistical authorities, and investors by enhancing transparency and comparability. At Green NRJ, we guide companies through this transition — helping them align their business lines with the new VSIC 2025 structure, ensuring full compliance with Decision 36/2025/QĐ‑TTg, and leveraging this clarity to make more informed strategic decisions.

Implications for Businesses and Investors under Decision 36/2025/QĐ‑TTg

The implementation of VSIC 2025 under Decision 36/2025/QĐ‑TTg has a significant impact on how businesses operate in Vietnam. Companies are required to update their business line codes to align with the new classification when registering a new enterprise, adding new activities, or modifying existing operations. The revised codes are mandated for use in official reporting, tax filings, and statistical submissions, which means that accurate classification directly affects how businesses are assessed by government authorities and regulatory agencies. Beyond compliance, the more granular and precise classification under VSIC 2025 enables businesses to identify emerging sectors, niche markets, and new growth opportunities. This supports more strategic decision-making and allows companies to position themselves effectively in Vietnam’s evolving economic landscape. For investors, understanding these changes is critical. Accurate sector classification influences business licensing, regulatory compliance, market entry strategies, and investment risk assessment. Misclassification could result in delays, fines, or misalignment with government reporting requirements.

Challenges and How to Navigate the Transition

While the implementation of VSIC 2025 under Decision 36/2025/QĐ‑TTg brings greater clarity to Vietnam’s economic classification system, it also presents several challenges for businesses. Updating business registration documents and aligning existing operations with the new codes can be administratively demanding. Companies may be required to submit official notifications, board resolutions, and revised registration forms to ensure compliance with the updated system.

Additionally, interpreting VSIC 2025 accurately requires careful analysis, as the system’s more granular structure may initially lack detailed government guidance. Misclassification or incomplete updates can result in regulatory issues or reporting discrepancies, potentially affecting licensing, taxation, and official statistics.

With Decision 36/2025/QĐ-TTg taking effect on November 15, 2025, timely action is crucial. Businesses should take prompt steps to avoid potential risks. Early adaptation ensures full compliance while allowing companies to leverage the detailed VSIC 2025 structure to identify new sectors and emerging market opportunities.

Green NRJ advises businesses to conduct an immediate review of their business activities, map them to the new VSIC 2025 codes, and update registration documents without delay. Prompt action not only guarantees compliance with the new legal framework but also positions companies for strategic advantage and operational efficiency in Vietnam’s evolving economic landscape.

Conclusion

The implementation of Decision 36/2025/QĐ‑TTg and the VSIC 2025 classification marks a pivotal change in Vietnam’s economic framework. Aligning your business with these new standards not only ensures compliance but also opens doors to emerging sectors and market opportunities. At Green NRJ, we specialize in guiding businesses through regulatory updates with clarity, precision, and efficiency. From assessing your current business lines to updating registration documents and mapping strategic growth, our team provides comprehensive support. Contact Green NRJ today to navigate VSIC 2025 seamlessly, future‑proof your operations, and position your business for success in Vietnam’s dynamic economy.