Vietnam: Adopted Law on Consumer Protection (No. 19/2023/QH15) including user/subject right

On 20 June 2023, the National Assembly adopted the Law on Consumer Protection, which includes provisions pertaining to the rights of users and subjects. The law defines consumer information as any information related to transactions between consumers and traders, including consumers' personal information, information about their purchasing and using of products, goods, and services, and other information related to transactions between consumers and traders. The rights of consumers are enumerated in Article 4 and include the protection of their life, health, dignity, and other legitimate interests during transactions. Additionally, consumers are entitled to detailed transaction-related information and the ability to choose products, services, and traders based on personal needs. Furthermore, consumers have the right to comment on and request compensation for defective products, participate in policy-making, file complaints, and access counselling to foster informed and sustainable consumption choices. Moreover, the legislation introduces the concept of "vulnerable consumers," which encompasses a diverse range of individuals, including the elderly, disabled, children, ethnic minorities, and pregnant women. It prioritises requests for protection and mandates compensation for delays or refusals. The law will enter into force on 1 July 2024.