A comprehensive series of new policies and regulations will take effect in Vietnam starting February 2026, marking significant changes across multiple sectors of the country's economy and society. These reforms demonstrate the Vietnamese government's commitment to strengthening social protections, market regulation, and intellectual property rights, signaling a new phase in the nation's economic development and governance.
Expanded Occupational Disease Coverage Enhances Worker Protections
Effective February 15, 2026, Vietnam's Ministry of Health Notification No. 60/2025 will significantly expand social insurance coverage for occupational diseases. The new regulation identifies 35 specific occupational diseases eligible for benefits and establishes clear diagnostic criteria and disability assessment methods.
The covered conditions fall into four categories:
- Pulmonary and respiratory system diseases
- Chemical and heavy metal poisoning
- Occupational skin conditions
- Work-related infectious diseases
The regulation mandates that workers diagnosed with occupational diseases must immediately cease exposure to causative factors and receive specialized treatment. For cases of occupational poisoning, prompt detoxification becomes mandatory. Medical evaluations will determine disability levels during treatment, directly affecting benefit eligibility.
The new rules streamline assessment procedures by eliminating redundant toxicology tests when exposure conditions meet established standards, while emphasizing early evaluation for progressive conditions to ensure timely benefit access.
Stricter Digital Advertising Rules Prioritize User Experience
Vietnam's Decree No. 342/2025, effective February 15, 2026, introduces rigorous standards for online advertising to address growing consumer complaints about intrusive practices. The decree specifically targets non-fixed position ads that obscure content and disrupt user navigation.
Key provisions include:
- Mandatory one-click close buttons for all ads
- Five-second maximum duration for dynamic/video ads
- Prohibition of deceptive close button designs
- Requirement for visible product information in cosmetic ads
- Ban on medical professional endorsements for cosmetics
Advertisers must implement user reporting mechanisms and establish procedures for handling complaints, creating a framework for public oversight of digital advertising practices.
Gold Market Regulations Target Illegal Transactions
Decree No. 340/2025, effective February 9, 2026, strengthens Vietnam's monetary regulations with severe penalties for gold market violations:
- 20 million VND maximum fine for unlicensed gold bar transactions
- 100 million VND fine for improper gold transportation across borders
- 250-300 million VND penalties for unauthorized gold bar production
These measures aim to combat smuggling and illegal gold production while stabilizing financial markets.
Enhanced Copyright Protection Imposes Heavy Fines
Vietnam's Decree No. 341/2025, effective February 15, 2026, establishes strict penalties for 35 types of intellectual property violations:
- 1-30 million VND for authorship right violations
- 20-40 million VND for work integrity violations
- 10-20 million VND for unauthorized publication
- Up to 50 million VND for performance right violations
- 100 million VND maximum for illegal distribution
- 250 million VND maximum for unauthorized performance recordings
Customs Modernization Adopts Digital Identity System
The Ministry of Finance's Circular No. 121/2025, effective February 1, 2026, streamlines import/export procedures by:
- Mandating electronic customs declarations
- Implementing Vietnam National Electronic Identification (VNeID) for trade registration
- Eliminating redundant document submissions for tax processes
These reforms aim to reduce compliance costs and improve Vietnam's trade efficiency as part of broader business environment improvements.