New decree regulates rice export and import business

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc, on behalf of the Prime Minister, has signed Government Decree No. 365/2026/ND-CP governing rice export and import business operations.

The decree takes effect on October 1, 2026, according to a report by the Government News.

Under the new decree, Vietnamese traders across all economic sectors that satisfy prescribed conditions and are granted an Eligibility Certificate for Rice Export Business (the Certificate) are entitled to conduct rice export. 

Traders that are foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) may be granted the Certificate and conduct rice export in accordance with this decree, relevant Vietnamese legal provisions, and commitments made by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam under international treaties to which it is a signatory.

The decree specifies that only traders holding the Certificate are permitted to undertake entrusted rice exports.

Traders exporting organic rice, parboiled rice, or micronutrient-fortified rice are exempt from the standard statutory business conditions. They may export these specialty rice varieties without obtaining an Eligibility Certificate for Rice Export Business, without maintaining circulating reserves, and without fulfilling regulatory reporting obligations.

Traders engaged in rice import operations must notify their rice importation plans to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

The decree stipulates that traders legally established and registered under the law may conduct rice export business provided they own or lease at least one specialized warehouse for paddy and rice storage and at least one milling/processing facility that complies with statutory food safety regulations, technical standards, and technical regulations.

Traders holding a Certificate are prohibited from subleasing their specialized paddy and rice storage warehouses and processing facilities—already accredited by the Ministry of Industry and Trade in their issued Certificate—to other traders seeking a Certificate.

The decree also regulates certain circumstances in which the Ministry of Industry and Trade shall consider and decide on revoking the Certificate.