LEGAL REGULATIONS IN 2026 FOR THE OPERATION OF E-COMMERCE TRADING PLATFORMS

Currently, e-commerce activities are experiencing strong growth due to the increasing trend of online shopping, with consumers prioritizing fast transactions, diverse choices, and cost optimization. This reality requires stricter management of e-commerce trading platforms under applicable laws in Vietnam to control transactions, tax obligations, and consumer protection. The following content analyzes the latest legal regulations applicable to e-commerce trading platforms.

1. Overview of e-commerce trading platform operations 

1.1. Relevant concepts

The Law on E-commerce 2025 provides that e-commerce activities are commercial activities conducted partially or entirely in an electronic environment. Specifically, is the conduct of part or all of a commercial process by electronic means connected to the Internet, mobile telecommunications networks, or other open networks[1].

1.1.1. An e-commerce website (hereinafter referred to as a website) is an electronic information page established to serve part or all of the process of buying and selling goods or providing services, from displaying and introducing goods and services to contract conclusion, service provision, payment, and after-sales services[2].

1.1.2. An e-commerce trading platform is an e-commerce website that allows traders, organizations, and individuals who are not the owners of the website to conduct part or all of the process of buying and selling goods and services on it[3].

1.2. Forms of operation

The forms of operation of e-commerce trading platforms include[4]:

1.2.1. A website that allows participants to open stores to display and introduce goods or services;

1.2.2. A website that allows participants to open accounts to conduct the contract conclusion process with customers;

1.2.3. A website with a trading section that allows participants to post listings for buying and selling goods and services.

2. Conditions for establishing a website providing e-commerce services 

The conditions for establishing a website[5]:

2.1. Being a trader or organization established in accordance with law;

2.2. A service provision scheme; 

2.3. Registered to set up a website providing e-commerce services.

3. Application dossier for registration of a website providing e-commerce services

The application dossier must fully[6]:

3.1. Application for registration of website trust rating service activities (Form TMĐT-01 Appendix I.2);

3.2. A service provision scheme;

3.3. The operating regulations of the website providing e-commerce services;

3.4. Service contract template or cooperation agreement between the trader or organization owning the website providing e-commerce services and traders, organizations, or individuals participating in buying and selling goods or providing services on such website;

3.5. General transaction conditions applicable to the buying and selling of goods or provision of services on the website (if any). 

4. Procedure for registration of a website providing e-commerce services

Submitting the dossier online via the E-commerce Activity Management Portal at www.online.gov.vn as follows[7]:

4.1. Submit the registration dossier on the E-commerce Activity Management Portal at www.online.gov.vn.

4.2. Declare the dossier by accessing the E-commerce Activity Management Portal and performing the following steps:

4.2.1. The trader or organization registers an account to log into the system by providing required information.

4.2.2. Within 3 working days, the trader or organization receives a response from the Ministry of Industry and Trade via the registered email address regarding one of the following:

If the account registration information is complete, the trader or organization will be granted a system login account and proceed to Step 4.2.3;

If the account registration is rejected or requires additional information, the trader or organization must re-register or supplement information as requested.

4.2.3. Selects the function Register a website providing e-commerce services, declares information according to the form, and attaches the registration dossier.

4.2.4. Within 7 working days, the trader or organization receives feedback from the Ministry of Industry and Trade via the registered email address regarding one of the following:

Confirmation that the registration dossier is complete and valid and a request to proceed to Step 4.2.5;

Notification that the registration dossier is invalid or requires additional information. In this case, the trader or organization returns to Step 3 to re-declare or supplement the required information and documents.

4.2.5. After receiving confirmation that the dossier is complete and valid, the trader or organization submits a complete hard-copy dossier to the E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency.

4.3. The trader or organization monitors the dossier processing status via email or the granted system account to update and amend information as requested.

Note: Within 30 working days from the date of receiving the request for additional information at Step 4.2.4, if the trader or organization does not respond, the registration dossier on the system will be terminated and must be re-submitted from the beginning.

5. Administrative sanctions for violations 

Violations shall be subject to[8]:

5.1. Fines ranging from VND 1,000,000 to VND 50,000,000 for individuals (for organizations, the fine is doubled);

5.2. Additional sanctions such as suspension of e-commerce activities;

5.3. Remedial measures such as compulsory revocation of the “.vn” domain name of the e-commerce website, compulsory disgorgement of illegal profits obtained from the violation, etc. 

6. Lexsol's recommendations

Lexsol recommends that clients consider the following:

6.1. Review the entire operating model of the e-commerce trading platform in accordance with applicable laws.

6.2. Standardize the operating regulations of the e-commerce trading platform, ensuring accurate reflection of actual transaction processes in e-commerce activities.

6.3. Establish a seller control mechanism, including identity verification, participation conditions, and monitoring of posted content.

6.4. Develop and update personal data protection policies in line with data processing practices in 2026.

6.5. Establish a transaction data storage system that meets requirements for retrieval and provision of information to competent authorities.

6.6. Finalize procedures for receiving and handling complaints and disputes arising on the e-commerce trading platform.

6.7. Strengthen internal mechanisms to detect and prevent violations in e-commerce activities.

6.8. Establish coordination procedures with regulatory authorities in inspection, examination, and reporting obligations.

6.9. Apply technology in content moderation and transaction control to minimize legal risks in e-commerce activities. 

7. Conclusion

E-commerce activities in 2026 require strict compliance with applicable laws to ensure lawful operation and risk control. Lexsol provides comprehensive legal advisory services from registration to operation and violation handling. Clients should promptly review their internal legal systems and contact Lexsol for in-depth consultation.

See more: Corporate Law consulting – Legal handbook for small and medium-sized enterprises