Vietnam Strengthens Tobacco Control Enforcement and Digital Management of Tobacco Market
The Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam has announced new measures to strengthen the implementation of tobacco control regulations, improve tobacco market supervision, and enhance enforcement against illegal cigarette trading.
The new policy focuses on improving the legal framework, promoting digital transformation, strengthening inspections, and coordinating multiple government departments to combat smuggling, illegal sales, and unregulated tobacco products.
Key Points
- Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade introduced new measures to strengthen tobacco control enforcement.
- Authorities will improve tobacco market management and provide stronger legal support for industry regulation.
- Digital transformation will be promoted to improve tobacco market supervision efficiency.
- Multiple government departments will cooperate to combat illegal cigarette trading and tobacco-related violations.
- New regulations will focus on reducing tobacco consumption and limiting youth access.
Vietnam Updates Tobacco Control Measures to Strengthen Market Supervision
According to Vietnam Television, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued instructions from Minister Nguyễn Hồng Diên to continue implementing the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms.
The measures aim to support Vietnam’s national tobacco control strategy and implement the objectives outlined in Prime Minister Resolution 568.
The ministry stated that systematic actions will be carried out from central to local authorities, focusing on:
- Improving tobacco-related laws and regulations;
- Strengthening market supervision;
- Increasing inspections and penalties for violations;
- Expanding legal awareness campaigns.
Ministry Plans Revision of Tobacco Management Regulations
Under the new instructions, the Department of Industry will work with relevant agencies to review and develop a replacement for Decree No. 67.
The revision will focus on:
- Simplifying administrative procedures;
- Adding regulatory provisions for emerging tobacco products;
- Integrating existing guidance documents;
- Improving consistency in tobacco management policies.
The department will also develop tobacco business management plans aimed at reducing domestic consumption and limiting public access to tobacco products.
Vietnam Strengthens Crackdown on Illegal Tobacco Trade
The Department of Domestic Market Management and Development has been instructed to increase inspections and supervision of tobacco businesses.
Authorities will focus on ensuring compliance with tobacco trading regulations and taking strict action against violations.
Joint enforcement operations will target:
- Tobacco smuggling;
- Illegal cigarette sales;
- Products without legal origin documentation.
The government believes stronger cooperation among enforcement agencies is necessary to address the growth of illegal tobacco markets.
Digital Transformation Added to Tobacco Market Management Strategy
Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade is also promoting the use of information technology in tobacco regulation.
The department will encourage digital management tools to improve monitoring efficiency and strengthen oversight across the tobacco supply chain.
Authorities will also organize training programs to improve the capabilities of market inspectors and law enforcement personnel.
The move reflects Vietnam’s broader effort to modernize government management through digital transformation.
Legal Affairs Department Reviews Tobacco Production and Sales Regulations
The Ministry’s Legal Affairs Department has been assigned responsibility for reviewing and improving the legal framework for tobacco production and distribution.
The department will cooperate with relevant agencies to:
- Ensure consistency between tobacco regulations;
- Reduce unnecessary administrative procedures;
- Strengthen supervision of wholesale and retail activities;
- Improve protections against youth tobacco access.
The government emphasized that future policies should focus on controlling tobacco availability among younger populations.
Vietnam Tightens Control Over Tobacco Imports and Duty-Free Sales
The Export and Import Department will lead revisions to Circular No. 37 regarding tobacco product imports.
The updated regulations will be submitted to the Minister for review.
At the same time, authorities will strengthen monitoring of:
- Imported tobacco products;
- Tobacco-related business activities;
- Duty-free shops at airports.
The goal is to prevent commercial fraud and illegal circulation of tobacco products.
Provincial Authorities Asked to Improve Local Tobacco Enforcement
The Ministry of Industry and Trade also instructed provincial and municipal commerce departments to guide local market management agencies in strengthening inspections.
Local authorities will be responsible for:
- Investigating illegal tobacco activities;
- Improving enforcement of tobacco regulations;
- Promoting tobacco control awareness campaigns;
- Reporting progress and recognizing effective practices.
The government hopes these measures will improve consistency between national policies and local enforcement.
Vietnam Tobacco Corporation Encouraged to Reduce Consumption and Promote Digitalization
The Vietnam Tobacco Corporation has also received new instructions to cooperate with the Department of Industry in developing production and business plans.
The company is expected to:
- Reduce domestic tobacco consumption;
- Pay special attention to vulnerable groups;
- Support tobacco farmers and industry workers during market adjustments;
- Promote digital technology throughout production, distribution, and operations.
Vietnam Moves Toward Comprehensive Tobacco Market Management
Vietnam’s latest tobacco control measures show a shift toward a more comprehensive regulatory approach.
Instead of focusing only on tobacco production restrictions, authorities are expanding oversight to cover:
- Market access;
- Import controls;
- Illegal trade prevention;
- Digital supervision;
- Consumer protection.
As tobacco markets continue to change, Vietnam is strengthening cooperation between government departments to improve enforcement and support long-term tobacco harm prevention goals.
