Under Resolution No. 19/2026/NQ-CP, from 29 April 2026 organisations and individuals retailing tobacco products no longer need a tobacco retail licence. Retail sales must still comply with rules on origin of goods and on locations and persons to whom sales are prohibited. 7S Law advises retailers on compliance and handles procedures for wholesale and distribution.

1. Who this service is for

a) Shops and retail chains: selling tobacco that need to review obligations after the retail licence was abolished.

b) Wholesalers and distributors: that need advice on conditions and procedures under the rules still in force.

c) Holders of old retail licences: that need to understand the status of their licences during the transition.

d) Companies under inspection: that need to prepare proof of origin and explanations.

2. Scope of work

a) Retail compliance review: sources of goods, invoices and documents, points of sale, health warnings and prohibited acts.

b) Wholesale and distribution advice: conditions, dossiers and procedures for activities that still require a licence.

c) Drafting agreements: sale, agency and distribution agreements with suppliers and retail networks.

d) Handling procedures: procedures still applicable to wholesale and distribution before the competent authority.

e) Support during inspections: preparing documents and working with market surveillance authorities.

The following are quoted separately when required: enterprise registration, adding business lines and representation in contract disputes.

See also: Business licences, Alcohol business legal advice, Legal advice.

3. Process

Step 1. Intake: 7S Law receives information on the business model, sources of goods, points of sale and existing documents

Step 2. Review and report: 7S Law compares activities with the rules and reports obligations and risks

Step 3. Completing documents: 7S Law drafts agreements, procedural dossiers and documents to keep on site

Step 4. Procedures: 7S Law handles procedures still applicable to wholesale and distribution

Step 5. Ongoing support: 7S Law updates clients on new regulations and supports them during inspections

4. Timeline and deliverables

A compliance review and report is usually completed within 3 to 5 working days of receiving complete information. Timelines for wholesale and distribution procedures depend on the competent authority.

Note: actual timelines may change if the authority requests supplements or amendments, if documents are provided late or incomplete, or if procedures or laws change.

Deliverables: the compliance review report, a list of obligations, the drafted agreements and the results of procedures (if any).

5. Service fees

Fees are quoted separately according to the scope of each matter, based on the following factors:

Note: Service fees exclude 8% VAT, government fees, translation, certification, consular legalisation and travel expenses. The exact fee is confirmed in a fee proposal before work begins.

For a tailored fee proposal, please call +84 877 523 888 or email lienhe@7slaw.vn.

6. Information we need from you

Enterprise or household business registration certificate; tobacco licences previously issued (if any); list of suppliers and proof of origin; points of sale; description of sales channels.

7. Legal basis

The legal framework for tobacco trading is changing. 7S Law applies the following instruments and updates clients when new guidance is issued:

a) Resolution No. 19/2026/NQ-CP dated 29 April 2026 of the Government on reducing, decentralising and simplifying administrative procedures and business conditions under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, under which tobacco retailers no longer need a retail licence

b) Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms No. 09/2012/QH13 dated 18 June 2012, effective from 1 May 2013

c) Decree No. 67/2013/ND-CP dated 27 June 2013 detailing the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms on tobacco trading, as amended

8. About 7S Law

7S Law has offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, works in Vietnamese and English, and serves Vietnamese companies, foreign-invested enterprises and individuals.

9. Frequently asked questions

a) Is a tobacco retail licence required from 29 April 2026?

No. Under Resolution No. 19/2026/NQ-CP, organisations and individuals retailing tobacco products no longer need a retail licence. Sellers must still comply with rules in force on origin of goods and prevention of tobacco harms.

b) Do wholesale and distribution still require licences?

Wholesale, distribution and production of tobacco follow the rules still in force. 7S Law identifies the specific procedures for each business model.

c) Which retail acts are still prohibited?

The Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms prohibits selling tobacco to persons under 18, selling at certain locations such as educational and healthcare facilities, and other acts.

d) What happens to retail licences already issued?

Businesses do not need to amend or renew licences under the old regime. 7S Law recommends keeping the licence and proof of origin for inspections.

10. Contact 7S Law

CÔNG TY CỔ PHẦN TƯ VẤN VÀ DỊCH VỤ LUẬT 7S (7S Law Consulting and Services JSC)
Address: No. 60, Lane 18 Mac Thai To Street, Yen Hoa Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City office: 18th Floor, TNR Tower, 180 Nguyen Cong Tru Street, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Hotline: +84 877 523 888 | Email: lienhe@7slaw.vn
Send us your request via the contact page.