Liquor is a hot-selling item during Tet, and now there are many traders who want to import and distribute imported wines for trading in Vietnam. However, this is a conditional business, traders should note that the conditions for importing and distributing alcohol for domestic enterprises are as follows:
Conditions for importing alcohol for domestic enterprises
According to Decree 105/2017/ND-CP on alcohol trading as amended and supplemented by Decree 17/2020/ND-CP, import and distribution activities in the field of alcohol business are managed by the State according to the provisions of Decree No. the provisions of the Law on Prevention and Control of harmful effects of alcohol and beer and the provisions of this Decree.
Article 30 of Decree 105/2017/ND-CP stipulates that “Enterprises with alcohol distribution licenses are allowed to import alcohol and must take responsibility for the quality and food safety of imported alcohol. In case of importing semi-finished alcohol, enterprises may only sell them to enterprises that have an industrial alcohol production license.”
Conditions for importing alcohol for domestic enterprises
As such, only enterprises with an industrial alcohol production license are allowed to import or entrust the import of semi-finished alcohol to produce finished alcohol.
Imported alcohol must meet the following conditions:
- Must be labeled with goods and affixed with alcohol stamps according to regulations;
- Compliance with the provisions of the law on food safety;
- Alcohol can only be imported into Vietnam through international border gates.
Conditions for alcohol distribution for domestic enterprises
To import alcohol, businesses need to apply for a license to distribute alcohol. Conditions for applying for a license to distribute alcohol are specified in Article 11 of Decree 105/2017/ND-CP on alcohol trading as amended and supplemented by Decree 17/2020/ND-CP:
– Being an enterprise established in accordance with the law.
– Having a liquor distribution system in the area from 02 provinces or centrally-run cities or more (including the area where the enterprise’s head office is located); in each province, centrally run city, there must be at least 01 alcohol wholesaler. In case an enterprise has established a branch or a business location outside its head office to trade in alcohol, the certification of the alcohol wholesaler is not required.
– Having a written introduction or a contract in principle of the wine producer, other alcohol distributor or overseas alcohol supplier.
Dossier, order and procedures for applying for a license to distribute alcohol
Dossier of application for a liquor distribution license
Wine importers who wish to apply for a liquor distribution license to match their business items need to prepare the following documents:
- Documents proving the ownership of the warehouse (or warehouse lease contract) of the place to sell alcohol, retail alcohol and sell alcohol for on-site consumption (if any business) according to regulations
- Contract, confirmation letter/commitment + Liquor wholesale license of distribution agent
- Liquor producer/distributor contract + Vendor’s liquor production/distribution license
- Principle contract, confirmation letter or commitment to join the alcohol distribution system of wholesalers
- Liquor wholesale license of traders who plan to join the distribution system of the licensed enterprise.
- Announcement slip
- Business License
Application for a Liquor Distribution License
Step 1: Traders submit documents to the Department of Domestic Market – Ministry of Industry and Trade to apply for a license to distribute alcohol.
Step 2: Within 15 working days from the date of receipt of complete and valid dossiers, competent state agencies shall consider, appraise and grant licenses to traders. In case of refusal, a written reply must be given clearly stating the reason.
In case there are not enough valid dossiers, within 03 working days from the date of receiving the dossiers, the licensing agency must make a written request for supplementation.
Term of Liquor Distribution License
The term of the Liquor Distribution License is 5 years. Traders must submit dossiers of application for license re-issuance 30 days before the expiration of the license’s validity. Dossier, authority, and procedures for re-issuance apply as prescribed for new issuance.
Above is the advice on “Conditions for importing and distributing alcohol for domestic enterprises” according to the latest regulations. If you have any business needs, please contact LYT Việt Nam by hotline: 090.332.9824. LYT Việt Nam will provide detailed advice as well as a direct quote for the service of applying for a Liquor Distribution License to customers.
