According to the Law on E-commerce and Decree No. 248/2026/ND-CP, owners of e-commerce platforms engaged in direct online sales that provide online ordering functionality are required to complete the notification procedure and obtain confirmation from the competent authority before putting their platforms into operation. The notification procedure is conducted entirely online through the National Public Service Portal and is processed within three (03) working days.
1. Entities Required to Submit Notifications
According to Clause 1, Article 14 of the Law on E-commerce, the notification procedure is mandatory for:
Owners of e-commerce platforms engaged in direct online sales that provide online ordering functionality. (This includes sales websites and mobile applications (apps) developed and operated by enterprises for selling their own goods or services and enable customers to place orders, make payments, or conclude contracts online).
2. Timing of the Notification
Platform owners must complete the notification procedure and obtain confirmation from the competent authority prior to putting the platform into operation (Clause 1, Article 14 of the Law on E-commerce). Exception: This requirement does not apply to owners of foreign e-commerce platforms conducting e-commerce activities in Vietnam.
The notification procedure for e-commerce platforms used for direct online sales has been streamlined to facilitate businesses’ digital transformation (Pursuant to Clauses 1 and 3, Section I of Appendix I to Decree No. 248/2026/ND-CP):
Step 1: Log in to the National Public Service Portal, complete the prescribed notification form, and upload the required supporting documents (if any).
Step 2: Within three (03) working days after the submission of a complete and valid notification dossier, the platform owner will receive one of the following responses:
- Confirmation of the notification;
- A request for additional information or for clarification regarding the notification dossier; or
- Rejection of the notification, together with the reasons therefor.
3. Required Documents
Pursuant to Clause 1, Article 24 of Decree No. 248/2026/ND-CP, platform owners are required to prepare the following documents:
- A Notification Form in accordance with Form No. 01 set out in Appendix II to Decree No. 248/2026/ND-CP.
- Copies of licences, certificates, approvals, confirmations issued by competent authorities, or other equivalent documents where the enterprise conducts business in goods or services falling within the list of conditional investment and business lines prescribed by the investment laws.
- Where the above documents are already available in legally valid electronic form and can be accessed through the information-sharing system connecting the Administrative Procedure Information System with national databases, specialised databases, shared information systems, and the National Public Service Portal, they are not required to be resubmitted.
4. Competent Authority and Processing Authority
- Receiving and processing authority: The Provincial People’s Committee where the enterprise has its head office or is registered (Clause 5, Article 24 of Decree No. 248/2026/ND-CP).
- Responsibilities of the Provincial People’s Committee: Confirming the notification, confirming amendments or supplements to the notification, and terminating the notification of the e-commerce platform.
- Submission method: Entirely online through the National Public Service Portal.
5. Legal Recommendations from CDLAF Law Firm
Although the notification procedure has been simplified, based on our practical advisory experience with retailers and corporate clients, CDLAF has identified three common legal risks encountered by businesses:
- Incorrect classification of the e-commerce platform model: Failing to correctly identify whether the platform is a sales website, an e-commerce marketplace, or another type of e-commerce platform may result in the application of inappropriate compliance requirements and legal procedures, leading to unnecessary time and costs for the platform owner.
- Failure to obtain required sector-specific licences: Depending on whether the platform owner is a Vietnamese enterprise or a foreign-invested enterprise, as well as the relevant business sector, the licensing authority may require the enterprise to obtain the relevant sector-specific licences before proceeding with the application for notification or registration of the e-commerce platform.
- Non-standardised Terms and Conditions and data protection policies: The notification dossier requires businesses to provide links to publicly available policies on the website. Where the General Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, or Personal Data Processing Policy are inadequately drafted or fail to comply with the Personal Data Protection regulations or consumer protection laws, the notification is more likely to be rejected.
Comprehensive E-commerce Legal Review & Consulting Services at CDLAF
CDLAF Law Firm provides comprehensive legal solutions, accompanying enterprises to optimize resources, manage risks, and ensure absolute compliance in e-commerce activities:
- Operating model appraisal: Conducting in-depth analysis of business operations to accurately determine legal obligations and propose optimal compliance plans.
- Standardization of foundational legal dossiers: Drafting and appraising the complete set of General Trading Terms, Privacy Policies, and Personal Data Protection (PDP) Policies standardized according to the latest regulations.
- Turnkey procedure implementation: Representing enterprises in executing the entire process of declaration, explanation, and receiving Notification/Registration/Licensing confirmations on the National Public Service Portal.
📩 BOOK A CONSULTATION WITH CDLAF’S LEGAL TEAM
Do not let procedural errors disrupt your business plans. Contact CDLAF today to receive a preliminary risk assessment from our team of Lawyers and E-commerce Legal Experts:
Hotline/Zalo: [+84 909 668 216]
Email: info@cdlaf.vn
Why choose CDLAF’s service?
- We provide effective and comprehensive legal solutions that help you save money and maintain compliance in your business;
- We continue to monitor your legal matters even after the service is completed and update you when there are any changes in the Vietnamese legal system;
- Our system of forms and processes related to labor and personnel is continuously built and updated and will be provided as soon as the customer requests it;
- As a Vietnamese law firm, we have a thorough understanding of Vietnam’s legal regulations, and grasp the psychology of employees, employers, and working methods at competent authorities;
- CDLAF’s team of lawyers has many years of experience in the field of labor and enterprises, as well as human resources and financial advisory.
- Strict information security procedures throughout the service performance and even after the service is completed.
You can refer for more information:
- Transferring Employees to Perform Other Works: Key Considerations for Enterprises
- Lawful Labor Discipline: Procedures and Key Notes for Enterprises
- Non-Compete Agreements In Employment Relationships: Are They Enforceable In Vietnam?
- Determining “Serious Damage” in Disciplinary Dismissal
- What Must Social Networks and Online Platforms Do to Comply with the Personal Data Protection Law 2025?
