Vietnam: Ministry of Industry and Trade opened consultation on proposal for developing E-commerce Law including fair marketing and advertising practice requirement

On 17 January 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Trade launched a public consultation on a draft law to regulate e-commerce in Vietnam. The proposal outlines five policy areas: digital platform regulation, e-commerce activities, service provider responsibilities, electronic contracts, and sustainable e-commerce development. Under the draft, digital platforms must provide transparent contract terms and enable consumers to review, modify, and confirm transaction details before finalizing a purchase. Platforms are prohibited from altering user reviews unless they breach Vietnamese law. Foreign sellers are required to disclose information in Vietnamese and comply with relevant national standards and regulations. Dispute resolution mechanisms must be accessible, impartial, and timely, offering options such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or court proceedings. Sellers and platform operators must ensure transparency, protect consumer data, and handle complaints in line with the law. The draft also introduces joint responsibility for intermediary digital platform owners in resolving consumer complaints, including those involving foreign traders.