Government Adds New Regulations on Rice Export Business Rights

The Government of Vietnam has officially issued Decree No. 01/2025/NĐ-CP, amending and supplementing several articles of Decree No. 107/2018/NĐ-CP dated August 15, 2018, concerning the business and export of rice.
The new decree will take effect on March 1, 2025.


Updated Provisions on the Right to Export Rice

Under Decree 107/2018/NĐ-CP, Vietnamese traders of all economic sectors that meet the stipulated requirements in Article 4 and are granted a Certificate of Eligibility for Rice Export Business are entitled to engage in rice export activities in accordance with relevant laws.

Similarly, foreign-invested enterprises (FDI) holding the Certificate of Eligibility may export rice under Vietnamese laws and Vietnam’s international commitments.

The new Decree No. 01/2025/NĐ-CP adds an important clarification:

“Enterprises holding the Certificate of Eligibility for Rice Export Business may only entrust export or accept entrusted export from other enterprises that also possess valid certificates.”

This addition aims to strengthen transparency, accountability, and consistency within the rice export supply chain.


New Condition for Certificate Revocation

According to Clause 1, Article 8 of Decree 107/2018/NĐ-CP, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) may revoke the Certificate of Eligibility for seven reasons, such as:

  • Voluntary withdrawal request;

  • Business dissolution or bankruptcy;

  • Revocation of business or investment registration;

  • No rice exports for 18 consecutive months;

  • Failure to maintain export conditions;

  • False declarations or fraud in certification applications;

  • Non-compliance with state directives on rice trade operations.

Decree No. 01/2025/NĐ-CP introduces an 8th condition for revocation:

If, within 45 days from the date the MOIT issues a written reminder requesting a report under Clause 1 and Clause 2, Article 24 of Decree 107/2018/NĐ-CP, the enterprise fails to submit the required report, the Ministry has the authority to revoke its Certificate of Eligibility for Rice Export Business.

Additionally, the revocation decision will be sent to the affected enterprise, the General Department of Customs, relevant provincial Departments of Industry and Trade, and the Vietnam Food Association for coordination and enforcement.


Monthly Inventory Reporting Requirement

Previously, Clause 3, Article 24 of Decree 107/2018/NĐ-CP required rice exporters to submit weekly reports on rice inventory.

The new decree reduces the reporting frequency to once per month:

“Before the 5th of each month, rice export businesses must report actual rice and paddy inventories by product category to the MOIT, the provincial Department of Industry and Trade, and simultaneously send a copy to the Vietnam Food Association for market management and policy coordination.”

This change eases administrative burdens while maintaining the Government’s capacity for timely export regulation.


Enhanced Responsibilities for Ministries and Local Authorities

The decree also reinforces inter-agency coordination to strengthen Vietnam’s rice export sector:

  • The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) will organize and implement a Foreign Trade Development and Trade Promotion Program for rice and rice-based products to enhance export value, quality, and brand recognition.

  • The Ministry of Finance is instructed to prioritize annual budget allocation for this program.

  • Within 45 days of issuing a rice export certificate, provincial People’s Committees must direct local Departments of Industry and Trade to carry out post-certification inspections of warehouses, milling, and processing facilities to ensure full compliance with export conditions.


Policy Implications

The amendments under Decree No. 01/2025/NĐ-CP reflect the Government’s intent to:

  • Improve regulatory oversight of rice exporters;

  • Enhance market discipline and traceability in Vietnam’s rice supply chain;

  • Support brand development and trade promotion for Vietnamese rice in global markets;

  • Streamline administrative procedures while maintaining transparency.

These updates are expected to further solidify Vietnam’s position as one of the world’s leading rice exporters, ensuring both quality assurance and sustainable trade practices in 2025 and beyond.