Why Is the Industrial Trading License Critical?
Legal Operation Assurance
Firms engaged in industrial trade, equipment manufacturing, raw material supply, and export processing in Vietnam must have an Industrial Trading License. Without it, they face potential fines, shutdowns, or license revocation.
Access to Key Sectors, Broader Business Scope
The license underpins multiple industrial fields—manufacturing, raw material supply, machinery sales, export processing, etc. With it, companies can legally sell industrial equipment, manage supply chains, and take part in infrastructure projects.
Government Incentives to Cut Costs
Eligible firms may enjoy CIT reductions, import tax breaks, export refunds, and industrial subsidies. Certain industrial zones even offer land rent discounts and reduced import duties on equipment, lowering operational costs.
Supply Chain Integration, Enhanced Competitiveness
Licensed companies can legally engage in industrial goods import-export, B2B trade, warehousing, and wholesale—optimizing supply chains and expanding into global markets for greater efficiency.
Whether local or foreign-invested, the Industrial Trading License is essential for conducting industrial trade. Vanzbon provides end-to-end support, ensuring quick approval and compliance.
How to Obtain an Industrial Trading License in Vietnam?
Businesses must submit documents to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) or the provincial Department of Industry and Trade (DOIT) to secure an Industrial Trading License, legalizing operations in industrial trade, equipment sales, raw material supply, and export processing.
1、Prepare Application Documents
Enterprises must prepare the following key documents to ensure a smooth application process:
- Corporate registration docs (ERC, charter)
- IDs of shareholders & legal rep (passport/ID copy)
- Proof of registered address (lease contract/factory usage)
- Business plan (model, supply chain, market strategy)
- Financial capacity (bank statement/financial reports)
- Sector license (if applicable) (chemicals, minerals, hazardous goods require extra approvals)
FDI firms: attach Investment Registration Certificate (IRC)
2、Submit the Application
Depending on their business type and location, enterprises must submit applications to the relevant authorities:
- Provincial DOIT: for local enterprises, standard industrial trade
- MOIT: for FDI, nationwide scope, or specialized fields (petroleum, chemicals, heavy industry)
- Other agencies: companies with import-export dealings to Customs, or environmental oversight to environmental bureaus, etc.
Certain sectors (e.g., chemicals, metal processing, mineral trading, heavy industry, etc.) must provide additional compliance documentation and undergo government approval or technical evaluation.
3、Approval & License Issuance
- Typically 10–20 working days, depending on sector & scope
- Special industries (petrochemicals, minerals, heavy industry, electronics) may take 30–60 working days with multi-agency review
- Once approved, the company receives the Industrial Trading License and can legally operate
Note
- Ongoing compliance with tax & industry standards is vital—violations risk penalties or license revocation
Applicable Industries
The Industrial Trading License applies to a range of industrial manufacturing, processing, sales, and import-export enterprises. Extra licenses or strict reviews may be required for particular operations. Below is a summary of main industries and related licensing needs.
Industry Categories and License Requirements
| Industry | Extra License Required? | Special Approval Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing (electronics, auto parts, machining) | Some may require production plan | MOIT must review manufacturing processes |
| Heavy Industry (steel, metals, minerals) | Yes | Environmental authority checks & safety evaluations required |
| Energy & Environmental (solar, wind) | Yes | MOIT approval for energy sector, possible environmental licensing |
| Industrial Equipment Trading (machinery, automation) | No | Standard Industrial Trading License suffices |
| Chemicals & Materials (construction, plastics...) | Yes | Hazardous chemicals require approval from health/environment agencies |
For energy, chemical, heavy industries, thorough pre-assessment is recommended due to stricter rules.
Scope of Business Activities Under the License
- Manufacturing electronics, auto parts, metal/ mechanical products
- Importing & exporting industrial goods & raw materials (steel, minerals, plastics, etc.)
- Trading industrial equipment, automated machinery, production lines
- Involvement in petrochemicals, energy equipment, renewable energy projects
- Warehousing, logistics, industrial supply chain management
- Producing & selling construction materials (steel, cement, glass, coatings)
Fields like chemicals, energy, minerals may need additional licenses.
Key Related Licenses
| License | Usage & Scenario | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Enterprise Registration (ERC) | Basic registration for all companies | DPI (Department of Planning) |
| Industrial Trading License | Main license for industrial goods production & circulation | MOIT / DOIT |
| Import-Export License | Cross-border trade of materials, machinery, finished goods | MOIT, Customs |
| Chemical Trading License | For chemicals and related products | Environmental bureaus, MOIT |
| Mining License | Mineral extraction & processing | Ministry of Natural Resources |
| Building Materials License | For construction materials (steel, cement, etc.) | Ministry of Construction |
Certain operations may require additional approvals or industry compliance checks. We recommend early consultation.
Critical Factors for Approval
When applying for an Industrial Trading License, businesses must ensure they meet sector entry, capital, environmental, and compliance requirements, or risk delays or rejections. Below are key points to consider for a successful license application.
Industry Restrictions
● Prohibited: explosives, toxic chemicals, nuclear, defense technology, etc.
● Restricted: metal smelting, oil refining, specialized machinery—may need local JV or minimum capital.
● Certain fields (chemicals, electronics, mining) require EIA or special safety checks.
License Validity & Renewal
● Typically valid for 5 years.
● Some industries need annual reviews or timely renewals (30–60 days before expiry).
● Energy & chemicals may require regular compliance reporting.
Capital Requirements & Verification
● General manufacturing/equipment sales usually no strict minimum capital, but recommended ≥100,000,000 VND (~$4,000).
● Heavy industry (steel, auto, energy) demands higher investment & bank proof.
● Foreign-invested companies must submit IRC to confirm FDI eligibility.
Premises & Environmental Compliance
● Must provide a legitimate factory lease or industrial zone documentation meeting local guidelines.
● Sectors like chemicals, petroleum, mining need EIA and emission/waste management compliance.
● Storing hazardous goods requires firefighting & safety approvals.
License Processing Time
● Typically 10–20 working days for general industrial trade.
● Sectors like energy, chemicals, mining, electronics: 30–60 days, multiple agencies (MOIT, environment ministry, etc.).
● FDI may require an ENT or further reviews, extending timelines.
Before applying for a license, enterprises are advised to conduct an industry entry assessment and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements to prevent approval delays or license rejection.
License Fees
The cost of an Industrial Trading License varies based on the company type, industry category, and specific business scope. It may include government review fees, industry entry fees, tax registration charges, and annual renewal costs.
FAQs
Usually 10–20 working days, varying with industry type and documentation completeness. Special sectors (energy, chemicals, mining, heavy industry) may take 30–60 days, involving multiple agencies.
Certain fields need additional approvals besides this license, e.g.
Energy (solar, wind, gas): from MOIT’s energy authority
Chemical (industrial chemicals, paint, rubber): from environmental bureaus, requiring EIA
Chemical sectors (industrial chemicals, paint/coatings, rubber processing) must be approved by the environmental authority and submit an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.
Yes, commonly valid for 5 years, though industries like mining, petroleum, chemicals, or energy may demand annual checks or renewal. Apply 30–60 days before expiry to avoid operational disruption.
Generally no fixed minimum. But auto manufacturing, energy projects, heavy industry, or mining might set higher capital thresholds. A recommended baseline is ≥100,000,000 VND (~$4,000).
Yes, if they align with the approved scope. Expanding (e.g., adding new export lines or manufacturing products) may require license amendments or additional permits.
Foreign enterprises need an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) and must adhere to industry entry constraints. Some fields (electronics, chemicals, energy) require ENT or specialized reviews.
Possible reasons include:
- Incomplete or uncertified documents
- Scope mismatch with license criteria
- Insufficient capital for the sector
- Noncompliant factory or environmental conditions
- FDI failing to provide valid IRC
Conduct sector pre-assessment, ensure thorough documentation. Vanzbon offers end-to-end guidance to boost acceptance rates.
Getting Help from Vanzbon on Industrial Licenses
Vanzbon provides one-stop services for Industrial Trading License applications—ensuring swift approvals and legal operations:
Full-Process Guidance
From document prep to final issuance, our professional team assists throughout.
Faster Approvals
Streamlined procedures, established government contacts, minimizing wait times.
Compliance Management
Ensuring you meet Vietnam’s regulations (labor, tax, environment) and avoid license revocation.
Tailored Solutions
Custom strategies based on your industry size and goals, securing lawful expansion.
