I. Overview
1.1. Definition of Trade Fairs and Exhibitions
Pursuant to Article 129 of the Law on Commerce 2005, as amended and supplemented in 2017, 2019, 2024, and 2025, trade fairs and exhibitions are defined as follows:
- A form of trade promotion activity;
- Conducted within a specific period of time and at a designated location;
- For traders to display and introduce goods and services with the aim of promoting and seeking opportunities to enter into contracts for the sale of goods and provision of services.
Pursuant to Clause 1, Article 29 of Decree No. 81/2018/ND-CP, as amended and supplemented in 2020, 2024, and 2025, trade fairs and exhibitions may be organized either in Vietnam or abroad.
1.2. Obligations of Traders Organizing Trade Fairs and Exhibitions
Pursuant to Clause 1, Article 28 of Decree No. 81/2018/ND-CP, as amended and supplemented, traders organizing trade fairs and exhibitions must fulfill the following obligations:
- Register the organization of trade fairs and exhibitions with the competent state management authority;
- Handle complaints and feedback from consumers, organizations, and individuals regarding:
- Trade fairs and exhibitions;
- Goods displayed at such events;
- Provide participating traders with full and accurate information regarding:
- Participation in trade fairs and exhibitions;
- Activities within the framework of the events beyond the display of goods;
Other obligations include:
- Complying with regulations on organizing and participating in trade fairs and exhibitions abroad;
- Paying taxes and fulfilling other financial obligations in accordance with Vietnamese law.
II. Eligible Entities, Dossier, and Procedures for Registration
2.1. Entities Required to Register
Pursuant to Clause 1, Article 29 of Decree No. 81/2018/ND-CP, as amended and supplemented, entities required to register with the competent authority include:
- Traders organizing trade fairs and exhibitions in Vietnam; or
- Organizations arranging for traders, organizations, or individuals to participate in trade fairs and exhibitions abroad.
Note: This does not include trade fairs and exhibitions conducted within trade promotion programs decided by the Prime Minister.
2.2. Dossier and Procedures
Pursuant to Clause 5, Section II, Part II of Decision No. 2902/QD-BCT, the dossier and procedures are as follows:
Competent Authority:
- Department of Industry and Trade where the trade fair or exhibition is organized (for events held in Vietnam).
Dossier Composition and Quantity:
- 01 application for registration of trade fair/exhibition organization (Form No. 10);
- Number of dossiers: 01 set.
Methods of Submission:
- Submission via postal services to the Department of Industry and Trade;
- Direct submission at the Department’s office;
- Submission via the online public service system provided by the competent state authority.
Procedures:
- Traders or organizations submit the registration dossier to the Department of Industry and Trade;
- The Department reviews and confirms the registration. In case of refusal, a written response stating the reasons must be provided.
Processing Time:
- Within 07 working days from the receipt of a complete and valid dossier.
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