Decree n° 89/2006/ND-CP on Goods Labelling

adminquantri - February 3, 2009
On August 30, 2006 the Government has issued Decree No. 89/2006/ND-CP («Decree 89») on goods labelling to replace Decision No. 178/1999/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister dated August 30, 1999 on labelling of domestically-circulated goods and import/export goods. Decree 89 will come into effect as of March 13, 2007.
Under Decree 89, mandatory content of labels includes: (i) name of goods; (ii) name and address of the organisation/individual responsible for the goods; and (iii) origin of goods. Additionally, depending on the nature of a specific type of goods, other mandatory information such as manufacturing date, expiry date, ingredients, quantities, technical data, warnings on safety and hygiene, directions for use etc…must also be included on the label.
Unlike Decision 178/1999/QĐ-TTg, Decree 89 does not set any conditions or criteria about names of goods. Manufacturers will be fully responsible for the name they give to their goods.
In respect of origin of goods, it must be clearly indicated in such terms as “made in”, “manufactured in” or “country of origin” together with the name of country or territory where the goods are made. As for the domestic goods, it is not mandatory to indicate origin of goods providing that address of the manufacturer is stated on the label.
Also of note, Decree 89 for the first time stipulates application of International Treaties on goods labelling. Accordingly, in the event that any provisions set out in Decree 89 contravene those of any International Treaty joined by Vietnam, the later will be applied.
Ministry of Science and Technology is responsible for State management of goods labelling in the whole country.
(8/10/2006)