Licensing Conditions for Logistics Service Providers in Vietnam

In the context of Vietnam’s rapidly growing logistics industry—driven by the expansion of e-commerce, supply chain diversification, and increasing participation of foreign-invested enterprises (FDI)—many investors and businesses are asking an important question: Does Vietnam have a specific “logistics business license”? What legal conditions must foreign investors satisfy before operating warehouses, transportation services, or customs brokerage activities?

In reality, Vietnamese law does not provide a single unified logistics license. Businesses only need to register their enterprise in accordance with the Enterprise Law 2020. However, they must independently ensure compliance with the legal conditions applicable to each specific logistics service they provide.

This article provides an overview of the legal conditions for operating logistics services in Vietnam.

I. Legal Framework Governing Logistics Services in Vietnam

Logistics services in Vietnam are primarily regulated by the following legal documents:

• Commercial Law 2005
  • Article 233: Definition of logistics services
  • Article 234: Business conditions for logistics service providers
• Decree No. 163/2017/ND-CP (dated December 30, 2017)
  • Effective from February 20, 2018
  • Replaces Decree No. 140/2007/ND-CP
  • Serves as the core legal framework, defining 17 logistics service groups, applicable business conditions, and liability limitations.
• Investment Law 2020 (Appendix IV)
  • Logistics services are classified as conditional business sectors.
• Decision No. 2229/QD-TTg dated October 9, 2025
  • Sets strategic directions for institutional reform, reducing business conditions, and promoting digital logistics and green logistics development toward 2035.
• Specialized sectoral laws, including:
  • Maritime Code 2015
  • Civil Aviation Law 2006 (as amended)
  • Customs Law 2014
  • Decree 158/2024/ND-CP on road transport operations
  • Decree 110/2014/ND-CP on inland waterway transport business conditions

II. Business Conditions for Domestic Logistics Enterprises (Vietnamese Traders)

According to Clause 1, Article 4 of Decree 163/2017/ND-CP:

“Traders conducting specific logistics services must satisfy the investment and business conditions prescribed by law for such services.”

This means that there is no general logistics license. Instead, enterprises must obtain relevant sub-licenses or satisfy specific regulatory conditions depending on the service type.

General Conditions

Logistics enterprises must:

• Be legally established under the Enterprise Law 2020 (LLC, joint-stock company, partnership, etc.).
• Maintain appropriate head offices, warehouses, vehicles, and qualified personnel in accordance with sector-specific regulations.
• Comply with e-commerce regulations if logistics services are provided through online platforms.

Specific Conditions for Key Logistics Services

Road Transport

• Must obtain a Road Transport Business License.
• 100% of vehicles must install journey monitoring devices.
• All drivers must be Vietnamese citizens.
• Mandatory civil liability insurance.
• Drivers cannot operate more than 4 consecutive hours per trip and 10 hours per day.

Warehousing Services

• Must obtain Fire Prevention and Fighting (FPP) approval.
• Environmental impact assessment required if warehouse area exceeds 5,000 m².
• If storing food products, the warehouse must have a Food Safety Certificate.

Customs Brokerage Services

• The legal representative or operational staff must hold a Customs Brokerage Practice Certificate issued by the General Department of Vietnam Customs.
• Certification requires at least two years of industry experience and passing the annual examination.

International Multimodal Transport

• Must maintain professional liability insurance or a bank guarantee of at least 80,000 SDR (approximately VND 2.7 billion).

Container Handling Services

• Must comply with occupational safety standards.
• Equipment must meet Vietnamese technical standards (TCVN).

Express Delivery Services

• Must register with the Ministry of Information and Communications if operating via the postal network.

III. Business Conditions for Foreign-Invested Logistics Enterprises (FDI)

IV. Licensing Process for Logistics Businesses in Vietnam

To commence logistics operations, enterprises typically follow these steps:

1. Investment Registration (for FDI enterprises)
 Submit application to the Department of Finance → obtain the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC).

2. Enterprise Registration
 Submit application through the National Business Registration Portal → obtain the Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC).

3. Sub-Licenses and Specialized Permits
 Apply for relevant operational licenses depending on services, for example:

• Road transport license issued by the Department of Transport
• Customs brokerage certification issued by the General Department of Customs

4. Post-Licensing Procedures

• Company seal registration
• Bank account opening
• Tax registration and declaration

If your company is planning to establish warehouses, launch transport routes, or expand supply chain services in Vietnam, consulting with experienced legal advisors is essential to ensure compliance and sustainable operations.

At DEDICA Law, our experienced lawyers assist international investors and logistics companies in navigating Vietnam’s regulatory framework—from company establishment to operational licensing—helping businesses reduce legal risks and operate efficiently.

Contact DEDICA Law Firm for Professional Legal Support

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