On April 15, 2026, the Ministry of Health held a consultation workshop in Ho Chi Minh City to gather final feedback on the draft Decree on Cosmetics Management. This is considered the final stage before the document is officially submitted to the Government, aimed at replacing outdated regulations with a more modern framework.
Core management philosophy and key changes:
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Hierarchy of Priorities: The drafting committee emphasized a guiding principle that places public health as the top priority, followed by business facilitation and, finally, administrative efficiency.
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Alignment with ASEAN Standards: The draft fully integrates the provisions of the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive, notably streamlining production standards by mandating Cosmetic Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) as the sole requirement.
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Shift from “Pre-check” to “Post-check”: Under the new rules, businesses will self-declare and take full responsibility for their products. Regulatory bodies will focus on post-market surveillance based on risk classification, with high-risk products subject to more frequent and rigorous inspections.
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Flexible Enforcement: For the first time, violations are categorized to allow for more nuanced handling, moving away from a “one-size-fits-all” approach of mandatory recall and destruction for every infraction.
Stakeholder Feedback: During the workshop, representatives from business associations (such as AmCham) and local authorities raised concerns regarding electronic labeling, thresholds for identifying counterfeit goods, and timelines for reporting adverse events. The drafting committee pledged to refine the technical language to ensure consistency with existing laws and practical feasibility.
The upcoming Decree is expected to foster a transparent competitive environment, enhance corporate accountability, and ensure maximum consumer protection in a rapidly evolving cosmetic market.