On July 3, 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Trade organized a conference to disseminate the E-Commerce Law and Decree No. 248/2026/ND-CP, which was issued on June 30, 2026. This legislation will take effect on July 1, 2026, providing a crucial legal framework for e-commerce in Vietnam. The conference, led by Le Hoang Oanh, Director of the Department of E-Commerce and Digital Economy, was attended by approximately 100 delegates from various departments, including the Ministry of Finance and relevant organizations.

The E-Commerce Law and the accompanying decree aim to facilitate legal business activities while enhancing the responsibilities of participants in the online marketplace. The focus is on supporting platforms, businesses, cooperatives, and sellers to comply with regulations from the outset, thereby preventing issues such as counterfeit goods, misleading advertising, and consumer rights violations.

During the conference, key aspects of the new law and decree were highlighted, including the requirement for e-commerce platforms to verify the identities of sellers before allowing them to operate. This measure is intended to reduce the presence of fake accounts and unverified shops, aiding in tracking violations and managing taxes effectively.

Furthermore, the new regulations clarify the responsibilities of e-commerce platforms, which are not merely transaction facilitators but also responsible for managing seller information, maintaining operational transparency, and addressing complaints. For social media platforms with e-commerce functions, there are new requirements for identifying seller accounts and distinguishing between casual communication and business activities.

Livestream selling and affiliate marketing are also addressed, with stipulations that sellers and influencers must verify their identities before broadcasting. Product descriptions must be truthful and not misleading regarding their quality, origin, and pricing.

Consumer rights are a significant focus of the new law, emphasizing the right to information, complaint mechanisms, data protection, and safeguards in case of disputes. Buyers must be informed about sellers, products, prices, origins, return policies, warranties, and complaint handling processes.

The conference also discussed risks associated with transactions outside of platforms, as consumers may lose protections established by these platforms. The management of cross-border e-commerce has been identified as a critical area to ensure fair competition, protect Vietnamese consumers, and comply with local laws.

Moving forward, the Department of E-Commerce and Digital Economy plans to continue promoting, training, and guiding the implementation of the E-Commerce Law and Decree No. 248/2026/ND-CP for localities, platforms, businesses, cooperatives, and sellers. The comprehensive rollout of these new regulations is expected to contribute to a more transparent e-commerce market, better consumer protection, and a healthier competitive environment, ultimately driving sustainable economic growth.