Vietnam Customs proposes solutions for trademark symbol issues and new transport regulations

Vietnam's Customs Department has issued urgent guidance to address two primary regulatory matters. First, the department has requested input from the Ministry of Science and Technology regarding imported goods that display the registered trademark symbol (®) on packaging without providing truthful information about their trademark protection status in Vietnam.

To prevent delays, Customs proposed that importers be allowed to supplement this information on supplementary labels to facilitate clearance, rather than facing administrative penalties for misleading indications. This aims to resolve ambiguities regarding whether such markings constitute a violation of industrial property rights regulations.

Simultaneously, the Customs Department is implementing Circular No. 127/2026/TT-BTC, which updates information requirements and documentation for transport vehicles entering, exiting, or transiting through various border gates, including airports, seaports, and land/waterway routes. While procedures for aircraft and ships have transitioned to the National Single Window portal, road, rail, and inland waterway transport will continue using current methods until further notice as systems are upgraded.