This is part of a draft decree detailing and guiding the implementation of the Advertising Law, currently being developed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. The draft lists 11 groups of products, goods, and services that directly impact human health and the environment, requiring specific regulations for advertising and marketing to consumers.

These 11 groups include food; milk and nutritional products for young children; chemicals and insecticides; medical devices; medical examination and treatment services; plant protection products, veterinary drugs, animal feed, fertilizers, and plant varieties; and alcoholic beverages. The draft also allows for the addition of other products, goods, and services as regulated by the Government.

Common cosmetic products. Photo: farelabs.com

Common cosmetic products. Photo: farelabs.com

Article 4 of the draft outlines requirements for cosmetic advertisement content. Required information includes the cosmetic's name; its functions and uses; and the name and address of the organization or individual responsible for bringing the product to market.

Cosmetic advertisements "must not mislead consumers into believing the product is medicine", the draft states. They also must not use the images, attire, names, letters, or articles of medical units, facilities, doctors, pharmacists, or medical staff. Furthermore, advertisements on radio and television must clearly state the cosmetic's name, functions, uses, and any warnings required by international agreements.

The drafting agency believes that prohibiting the use of medical attire will prevent misunderstandings about the product being medicine or associated with medical organizations, agencies, or personnel.

For advertisements of milk and nutritional products for young children, the draft decree mandates that the beginning of the advertisement must include the statement: "Breast milk is the best food for the health and overall development of young children". The advertisement must also clearly state: "This product is a supplementary food and should be consumed in addition to breast milk for children over 6 months of age".

These advertisements must also comply with regulations on information, education, and communication materials regarding childcare and the use of nutritional products for young children, as prescribed by law.

For food products, advertisements must include the food's name; the name and address of the organization or individual responsible for the product; and the name and address of the manufacturer. They must also clearly specify whether the product is a "health supplement," "supplemental food," "medical nutritional food," or "nutritional product for a specific group."

Food advertisements must also clearly state the product's uses and any health warnings, along with the disclaimer: "This food is not medicine and does not replace medicine for treating illnesses."

In addition to the above, the draft decree also includes provisions for managing advertisements on television, online, and on networked advertising screens. It also addresses outdoor advertising planning; representative offices of foreign advertising companies in Vietnam; and government management responsibilities.

Son Ha