Vietnam expands Authorized Economic Operator program for high-tech firms

Vietnam has expanded its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, which provides customs facilitation, tax management benefits, and reduced inspection times for compliant businesses. As of September 2026, there are 74 recognized AEOs in the country, including 10 companies in the high-tech and semiconductor sectors. While representing a small portion of the business community, these enterprises contribute approximately one-third of Vietnam’s total import-export turnover.

Between 2022 and 2025, the import-export turnover of AEOs consistently exceeded $230 billion annually, accounting for 28% to 34% of the national total. In 2025, turnover reached $256.63 billion, and in the first half of 2026, it reached $164.52 billion.

Recent recognitions and extensions were granted to several companies, including Hana Micron Vina, Luxshare-ICT (Vietnam), and Samju Vina, while Minh Phu Hau Giang Seafood, Hoa Sen Group, Hoya Glass Disk Vietnam, and LG Electronics Vietnam Haiphong had their status extended.

Vietnam currently holds Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA) with ASEAN and South Korea. The country is working toward completing the first phase of the ASEAN MRA by March 31, 2026, and the second phase by June 30, 2026. Authorities emphasized that AEO status is not an indefinite privilege; in 2025, customs authorities suspended or terminated the status of several companies that failed to maintain required compliance and internal control standards.