Viet La Bo Scholarships for Civil Engineering – HCMUT
Viet La Bo extends its warmest congratulations to the Faculty of Civil Engineering at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology on the occasion of the new academic year. We sincerely acknowledge and highly appreciate the continuous efforts of the Faculty in training and developing a talented and promising generation of young civil engineers.
To encourage academic excellence and recognize outstanding achievements, Viet La Bo is honored to award two scholarships to the top students of the Faculty of Civil Engineering. This meaningful initiative is part of our commitment to support the university in nurturing the next generation of civil engineers.
We hope that the collaboration between Viet La Bo and the Faculty of Civil Engineering at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology will continue to grow, bringing valuable contributions to the field of education and training. We wish the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology continued success and strong development in the future.
Classification of Supplements and Health Foods in Vietnam
Accurately classifying dietary supplements and health protection foods (also known as functional foods) is crucial, especially when importing into Vietnam. Incorrect classification can lead to products being denied import permits by regulatory authorities, causing significant losses for businesses. Below is a guide to classification based on clear legal grounds according to Vietnamese law.
1. Definitions and Classification
Dietary Supplements: According to Circular 43/2014/TT-BYT dated November 24, 2014, of the Ministry of Health, dietary supplements are food products that are supplemented with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, or other substances to provide additional nutrients that the body needs. They are designed to supplement the daily diet, improve nutritional status, or prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Health Protection Foods (Functional Foods): Health protection foods are food products that have the function of supporting the functions of body parts, creating comfort for the body, increasing resistance, and reducing the risk of disease. According to Circular 43/2014/TT-BYT, health protection foods include:
- Health protection foods
- Medical nutritional foods
- Foods for special dietary uses
2. Legal Basis
Vietnamese law clearly regulates the production, business, and advertising of dietary supplements and health protection foods through the following legal documents:
- Law on Food Safety 2010: Establishes general principles and requirements for food safety, including dietary supplements and health protection foods.
- Decree 15/2018/ND-CP: Details the implementation of several articles of the Law on Food Safety, including the registration of product declarations and conditions for production and business.
- Circular 43/2014/TT-BYT: Regulates the management of functional foods, including definitions, classification, quality and safety requirements, labeling, and advertising of products.
3. Specific Differences
Purpose of Use:
- Dietary Supplements: Used to supplement essential nutrients that the body does not get enough of from the daily diet.
- Health Protection Foods: Have the function of supporting and improving body functions, enhancing health, and preventing diseases.
Product Declaration Requirements:
- Dietary Supplements: Must declare compliance with food safety regulations before being marketed.
- Health Protection Foods: In addition to declaring compliance with food safety regulations, must also prove the functional benefits of the product through scientific research.
Labeling Requirements:
- Dietary Supplements: Must clearly state nutritional components and usage dosage.
- Health Protection Foods: In addition to nutritional components and dosage, must clearly state the benefits, target users, and usage warnings.
4. Current Misclassification Issues and Consequences
Many companies today still face difficulties in accurately classifying their products, leading to the denial of import permits by Vietnamese authorities. Common mistakes include:
- Misclassifying health protection foods as dietary supplements due to a lack of understanding of legal regulations.
- Failing to provide sufficient scientific evidence to prove the benefits of health protection foods.
- Incorrect labeling, leading to misunderstandings about the product’s benefits and purpose.
5. Solutions
To avoid these issues, companies need to:
- Thoroughly research the legal regulations related to dietary supplements and health protection foods in Vietnam.
- Ensure to provide sufficient scientific evidence to prove the benefits of health protection food products.
- Strictly adhere to the regulations on product labeling and advertising.
Conclusion
Accurately classifying dietary supplements and health protection foods not only helps businesses comply with legal regulations but also builds consumer trust. Companies need to pay more attention to understanding legal regulations to avoid unnecessary risks during the import and business processes in Vietnam.
References
- Law on Food Safety 2010
- Decree 15/2018/ND-CP
- Circular 43/2014/TT-BYT
We hope this article provides you with the necessary information to better understand the classification of dietary supplements and health protection foods according to Vietnamese law.
Vietnam Work Permit for Foreigners 2024
Overview
As part of Vietnam’s commitment to streamline foreign employment and ensure legal work practices, significant updates to the work permit system will be implemented from January 1, 2024. These changes are guided by the Labor Code 45/2019/QH14, effective from January 1, 2021, alongside amendments from Decrees 152/2020/ND-CP and 70/2023/ND-CP, and Circular 23/2017/TT-BLDTBXH.
Recruitment Process
To enhance transparency and fairness in employment practices, announcements for positions intended for foreign workers must now be posted on the Electronic Information Portal of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs or local Employment Service Centers. These postings should be made at least 15 days before the anticipated hiring date, followed by an explanatory report to the relevant authorities detailing the necessity for foreign labor.
Legal Framework
The legal basis for issuing work permits to foreign nationals is grounded in:
- Labor Code: Stipulates the basic criteria for foreign employees, including age, qualifications, health standards, and legal clearance.
- Decrees on Foreign Workers: Outline specific procedures and requirements for the employment of foreign nationals and the roles of Vietnamese employees within foreign-owned enterprises.
- Circular on Online Work Permit Issuance: Provides guidelines for the digital processing of work permits.
Application Process for Vietnam Work Permits
Employers seeking to hire foreign staff must follow these structured steps:
- Post Job Vacancy: Information about the job must be displayed on designated employment websites such as the Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi Employment Service Centers.
- Submit Employment Report: Employer must prepare and submit a detailed report on a need for foreign labor to the Ministry or Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs or local Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs at least 15 days before they start employing foreign workers. This report must clearly explain the reasons for hiring foreign workers and provide updates on the recruitment posting.
- Work Permit Application:
- Application Form: Includes a request for a work permit, health certification, and police clearance.
- Supporting Documents: Proof of qualifications and experience, recent photographs, a valid passport, and other relevant documents as required.
- Submission: The completed application should be submitted at least 15 days before the commencement of employment.
Issuance and Validity
Work permits will be processed and issued within five working days upon receipt of a complete application, with the term of the permit being subject to the specifics of the job but not exceeding two years. Should an application be denied, a detailed written explanation will be provided by the authorities.
These regulations ensure a controlled yet flexible system for employing foreign nationals in Vietnam, aligning with international standards and local workforce needs. For further details or to initiate the application process, businesses and foreign workers are advised to consult with legal experts specializing in Vietnam’s employment laws.
Translation – Interpretation
At Vietlabo, we bridge language barriers and connect cultures with our expert translation and interpretation services. Our team of seasoned linguists specializes in providing accurate and culturally relevant translations and interpretations for a variety of sectors, including construction, IT, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and hospitality.
Translation Services
Our translation services cater to a wide array of documents and digital content. We understand the importance of precision and context in every project, offering:
- Website Translation: Transform your digital presence by making your website accessible to a Vietnamese audience, ensuring that every tab, product description, and company profile resonates with local culture and language nuances.
- Technical Documents: From user manuals to product specifications, our translations ensure technical accuracy and readability, making complex information understandable for everyone.
- Marketing Materials: Captivate your target demographic with flawlessly translated brochures, flyers, and promotional content that maintain the original’s persuasive and informative tone.
- Legal Documentation: Trust our experts to handle your contracts, agreements, and legal correspondences with confidentiality and exact legal terminology.
Interpretation Services
Our interpretation services are designed to facilitate seamless communication in real-time scenarios, perfect for:
- Business Matching Events: Enhance your networking opportunities with our interpretation services, ensuring clear and effective communication between you and potential Japanese business partners.
- Specialized Interviews: Conduct interviews with confidence, knowing that our interpreters will provide accurate translations for sector-specific dialogues, particularly in fields such as construction, IT, electrical, mechanical, and the hospitality industry.
Why Choose Vietlabo?
- Industry Expertise: Our translators and interpreters are not only language experts but also have extensive knowledge in their respective fields.
- Understanding Cultural: We place special emphasis on understanding and respecting cultural characteristics to ensure each translation and interpretation is contextually accurate and appropriate.
- Confidentiality: Your documents and discussions are safe with us. We adhere to strict confidentiality agreements to protect your information.
Embark on your journey of international expansion with Vietlabo. Contact us today to learn more about how our translation and interpretation services can help your business succeed.
Engineer In Japan: Recruitment for Electrical & HVAC Engineering
The “Engineer in Japan” program opens special recruitment opportunities for talented engineers in the fields of Electrical & HVAC Engineering, aiming to showcase their abilities and develop their careers in Hokkaido and Shimane – areas renowned for their professional and innovative work environments. Joining this program, you will not only gain experience working with leading companies but also receive full support and attractive benefits.
We’re looking for outstanding talents for Engineer In Japan Program as the following positions:
1. Electrical Design Engineer & Site Supervisor – Hokkaido
Detail: http://tinyurl.com/JD-electrical-hokkaido
2. Electrical Site Supervisor for Public Works – Shimane
Detail: http://tinyurl.com/JD-electrical-shimane
3. HVAC Site Supervisor for Public Works – Shimane
Detail: http://tinyurl.com/JD-hvac-shimane
Attractive benefits include:
- Full support for flight expenses and residency status.
- Competitive salary starting from 40,000,000 VND/month, along with overtime allowances, travel allowances, family allowances, and other applicable allowances.
- Guaranteed convenient transportation with all expenses covered by the company.
- Comprehensive insurance as per Japanese labor laws.
Application Process
- Submit your Vietnamese CV via email to apply.vietlabo@gmail.com
- Interview with Vietlabo (in Vietnamese)
- Direct interview with the Company Director
- Participate in a Japanese language course from beginner to N3 level in 6 months
- Sign the contract and prepare documents for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Departure
- Attend a 1-week training in Tokyo
- Start working in Japan
We are looking for candidates with a spirit of learning, creativity, and a desire to grow. Join our team to maximize your potential in the field of Electrical & HVAC Engineering in Japan.
For more information and consultation, please contact the hotline at +84 96 212 0303 (Ms. Hoài).
Vietnam’s Import and Export Tariff Schedule 2024
In 2024, Vietnam’s trade landscape will be guided by the updated Import and Export Tariff Schedule, as outlined in Decree 26/2023/ND-CP. This schedule includes HS codes for goods, detailed descriptions, and applicable export tax rates for various product groups. Here, we provide an easy-to-access overview to download the complete and accurate 2024 Tariff Schedule.
1. Download the Import and Export Tariff Schedule 2024
Detail: http://tinyurl.com/Tax-Tariff-Schedule-2024
2. Explanation of Symbols
When reviewing the tax schedule, items marked with () in the VAT column are not subject to Value Added Tax.
⇒ Symbol (5) in the tax schedule column implies a VAT rate of 5% at import, production, or commercial stages. For instance, enterprises and cooperatives selling processed natural rubber to businesses and cooperatives in the trading stage are subject to a 5% VAT rate.
=> Symbol (,5) in the VAT schedule column means no VAT at self-production or fishing stages, and a 5% VAT rate at the commercial stage, except as specified in point b of paragraph 3, Article 4 of Circular 83/2014/TT-BTC.
⇒ Symbol (,10) in the VAT schedule column for gold imports in bars or unprocessed forms (group 71.08) indicates no VAT at the import stage but a 10% VAT rate at production, processing, or commercial stages.
⇒ Symbol () in the special preferential import tax column indicates goods not eligible for special preferential tax rates.
3. Tax Tariff Schedules for 2024 related to Export and Import Goods
- Normal and preferential import tax schedules;
- 16 special preferential import tax schedules (ACFTA, ATIGA, AJCEP, VJEPA, AKFTA, AANZFTA, AIFTA, VKFTA, VCFTA, VN-EAEU, CPTPP, AHKFTA, VNCU, EVFTA, UKVFTA, RCEPT);
- CPTPP preferential export tax, EVFTA preferential export tax, UKVFTA preferential export tax;
- VAT Schedule (updated as per Decree 94/2023/NĐ-CP);
- Excise Tax, Environmental Protection Tax Schedules.
This comprehensive guide provides an essential resource for understanding Vietnam’s trade regulations and navigating the complexities of global commerce in 2024.
Import Procedures for Kitchenware into Vietnam
This comprehensive guide to Import Procedures for Kitchenware into Vietnam encompasses all you need to know about legal requirements and documentation. By staying up-to-date with the latest policies and labeling standards, you can effectively manage potential risks and smoothly navigate the import process. Whether you’re a business or an individual, this guide is invaluable for understanding and adhering to Vietnamese import regulations for a wide array of kitchenware items, ranging from pots and pans to spice jars, cutting boards, and more.
Kitchenware includes a variety of items such as pots, pans, hangers, kitchen cabinet racks, spice jars, knives, chopsticks, plates, bowls, cutting boards, lemon squeezers, towels, cleaning gloves, rice containers, bowls, basins, baskets, etc.
There are many different types of kitchenware. However, there are two main categories of import procedures for kitchenware:
- Procedures for items that directly contact food such as knives, scissors, plates, chopsticks, bowls, pots, pans, dishes, spoons, glasses, cups, wooden clips, metal clips, egg beaters, forks.
- Procedures for items that do not directly contact food: dish racks, spice jar racks, gloves, pot mats, towels, rice containers.
The key difference between these two categories of kitchenware in import procedures is whether they require food safety declaration (ATTP) or not.
1. Kitchenware Import Policy
The import procedures for kitchenware are regulated by the following legal documents:
- Food Safety Law 55/2010/QH12 dated June 17, 2010
- QCVN 12-1:2011/BYT
- Decree 15/2018/NĐ-CP dated February 2, 2018
- Decree 155/2018/NĐ-CP dated November 12, 2018
- Decree No. 69/2018/NĐ-CP dated May 15, 2018
- Circular No. 12/2018/TT-BCT dated June 15, 2018
- Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC dated March 25, 2015; amended and supplemented by 39/2018/TT-BTC dated April 20, 2018.
- Official Letter 1267/TCHQ-GSQL dated March 9, 2018
- Notice 1850/ATTP-VP dated August 12, 2020
Based on these documents, it can be seen that kitchenware items are not on the list of prohibited imported goods. Import procedures for kitchenware will proceed normally like other goods.
However, as stated, there are two types of import procedures for kitchenware: Procedures for items in direct contact with food and procedures for items not in direct contact with food.
2. Labeling Imported Goods
Labeling on imported goods is not a new regulation. However, after the issuance of Decree 128/2020/NĐ-CP, the monitoring of labeling on imported goods has been more stringent. Labeling is meant to assist administrative agencies in managing goods, identifying their origin, and the responsible parties. Therefore, labeling is an essential part of the import procedures for kitchenware.
2.1 Label Content
Besides the requirement to label, the content is also crucial. The label content for items is regulated in Decree No. 43/2017/NĐ-CP. For kitchenware, a complete label should include the following information:
- Product name;
- Ingredients;
- Technical specifications;
- Production date;
- Usage instructions;
- Warning information (if any);
- Origin of goods;
- Exporter/manufacturer information (address, company name);
- Importer information (address, company name).
These are the basic label contents that must be affixed to the goods. Required information on the labels must be in Vietnamese, and translations are needed for other languages.
2.2 Label Placement on Goods
Labeling on goods is necessary, but correct placement is even more important. When importing, labels need to be placed on visible surfaces of the package such as carton boxes, wooden crates, and product packaging. Labels must be placed where they are easily checked and visible. Proper label placement can save time during goods inspection upon import.
For retail goods in the market, additional information such as manufacturer, quantity, technical parameters, production dates, and safety warnings are also necessary.
2.3 Risks of Not Labeling Imported Goods
Labeling on imported goods is a mandatory requirement under the law. If the goods are not labeled upon import or if the label content is incorrect, importers face the following risks:
- Monetary fines as stipulated in Article 22 of Decree 128/2020/NĐ-CP;
- Denial of preferential import tax rates due to the rejection of the certificate of origin;
- Risk of loss or damage of goods due to the absence of warning labels for handling and transportation. Vietlabo advises that goods should be labeled correctly. If you are unsure about the labeling regulations in Vietnam, please contact our hotline or email for consultation.
3. Documentation for Importing Kitchenware
The import procedures for kitchenware, as regulated by Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC, will proceed like any other normal goods. The documentation for import includes:
- Customs declaration
- Commercial contract (Sale contract)
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading
- Food safety declaration (ATTP) or self-declaration of ATTP (results)
- Certificate of origin – CO (if available)
- Catalog (if available)… and other documents as required by customs.
The most important documents are the customs declaration, certificate of origin (if available), commercial invoice, bill of lading, and ATTP declaration. Additional documents will be supplemented upon request from customs officials.
For items in direct contact with food, a self-declaration of ATTP is necessary. Importers must prepare a self-declaration before importing, with the most critical part being the test results meeting the self-declaration standards.
For assistance with the ATTP self-declaration process, you can contact Vietlabo via our hotline or email.
4. Important Notes on Importing Kitchenware
When importing kitchenware, importers should note the following:
- Items in direct contact with food must have a self-declaration of ATTP.
- Importers must fulfill their tax obligations before goods can be cleared.
- It is advisable to prepare the self-declaration before importing to avoid storage and container detention.
- There are 9 cases where the ATTP declaration is exempted, as per Notice No. 1850 ATTP-VP dated August 12, 2020.
With this detailed and thorough guidance, you will be able to easily and effectively carry out the import procedures for kitchenware into Vietnam. For additional support, Vietlabo is always ready to provide optimal consulting and assistance services in every aspect of the import process, ensuring a smooth and legally compliant procedure.
Alps Recruitment Program – Cultivating Engineering Talents
Explore exciting career opportunities with Alps. Join our team for roles in mechanical, aerospace, electronics, IT, and chemical engineering.
Vietnam’s 2024 Update: New Food Label Nutritional Regulations
Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has recently announced a pivotal update regarding nutritional labeling on food products with the issuance of Circular 29/2023/TT-BYT. This significant regulation, effective from February 15, 2024, mandates a new approach to nutritional labeling on all food products manufactured, sold, imported, or circulated within Vietnam.
Under these new guidelines, food labels must prominently display key nutritional information on all food products, including energy content in kilocalories (kcal), protein content in grams (g), carbohydrate content in grams (g), fat content in grams (g), and sodium content in milligrams (mg). Additionally, the regulation specifies distinct food label requirements for various food product categories:
- Beverages, dairy products with added sugar, and other sugar-added foods must include total sugar content.
- Foods prepared by frying must disclose their saturated fat content.
- Foods containing nutritional components below the threshold set in Annex I of the circular are not required to include these components on their labels.
This directive aims to enhance consumer awareness and promote informed choices by ensuring that food label accurately reflect nutritional values. It also stipulates a phased implementation schedule:
- By December 31, 2025, all relevant entities must comply with these nutritional labeling requirements.
- Starting January 1, 2026, the production, printing, importing, and use of labels not adhering to these regulations is prohibited.
Circular 29/2023/TT-BYT represents a significant step towards improving public health and nutrition awareness in Vietnam.
For expert guidance on navigating these changes, Vietlabo offers comprehensive consulting services to ensure your compliance with Vietnam’s latest food labeling standards.
Addressing Challenges in Cosmetic Import Procedures in Vietnam
The latest challenges in Vietnam’s cosmetic import procedures due to ongoing issues with the Ministry of Health’s declaration system.