On 22/6, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc met with the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) to discuss the import and temporary import of automobiles as gifts, donations, or movable assets.

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc emphasized that policy refinement must ensure fairness and transparency, preventing the exploitation of gift and donation schemes for personal gain. The objective is to refine policies and ensure state management requirements are met.

He also instructed MOIT to identify and resolve obstacles during policy formulation, emphasizing that management challenges should not result in outright bans or prohibitions.

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc speaking at the meeting, 22/6. Photo: VGP

Currently, non-commercial automobile imports are predominantly in the form of gifts or donations. However, under Decree 116, the import of these vehicles does not apply to certain exceptions, including gifts and donations. This loophole allows businesses that do not meet the decree's conditions to still import regulated goods for commercial purposes.

Whether imported or temporarily imported for commercial purposes or not, automobiles must still undergo warranty and maintenance according to manufacturer standards at domestic facilities, meeting technical safety and environmental protection regulations. Additionally, authorities are concerned about individuals or organizations exploiting relocation for work, study, or other purposes to Vietnam by bringing assets for business.

To address this situation, in the draft Decision of the Prime Minister on this matter, MOIT proposes that automobiles imported or temporarily imported as gifts, donations, or movable assets must align with the vehicle type, brand, manufacturer, and fuel type specified in the car import business license of the importing enterprise.

Import and temporary import activities under these schemes can only be carried out through businesses licensed to import automobiles under Decree 116/2017, except for cases enjoying specific incentives or exemptions.

Regarding documentation, organizations and individuals must meet customs requirements. Additionally, they must provide documents indicating the purpose of import (as gifts, donations, or movable assets), information about the donor, recipient, or user, and the vehicle's basic specifications.

The draft also outlines the responsibilities of relevant agencies in managing these activities:

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) will publicize the list of licensed automobile importing businesses and collaborate on developing a shared database.

The Ministry of Construction (MOC) will announce certified warranty and maintenance facilities that meet technical standards.

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) will direct customs clearance, monitor the transfer and donation of temporarily imported vehicles, and lead the development of a database for state management.

Automobile importing businesses must periodically report on the quantity, value, type, brand, and fuel used by imported vehicles.

According to MOIT, the new regulations aim to curb the import of used vehicles that do not meet technical safety, environmental protection, and traffic safety requirements. Furthermore, imported vehicles will receive warranty and maintenance in Vietnam according to manufacturer standards.

MOIT also believes that processing imports through licensed businesses will simplify procedures and increase transparency in import operations.

Phuong Dung