Chemical trading is a highly specialized sector that is subject to strict regulation and supervision by government authorities due to its potential risks to human health and the environment. To legally operate in this field, businesses are required to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for Trading in Chemicals Subject to Conditional Business Requirements in the Industrial Sector.

So, what are the basic requirements? What documents are included in the application dossier, and what is the application process? Let’s explore the details in the following article.

1. Legal Basis

The licensing process is carried out based on the following current legal documents:

• Law on Chemicals No. 06/2007/QH12.

• Government Decree No. 113/2017/ND-CP detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Chemicals.

• Government Decree No. 82/2022/ND-CP amending and supplementing a number of provisions of Decree No. 113/2017/ND-CP.

2. Requirements for Obtaining the Certificate

Before submitting the application, businesses must ensure that they fully meet strict requirements regarding infrastructure and personnel:

• Facilities and technical requirements:

  • Factories, warehouses, and business premises must comply with applicable national standards and regulations, ensuring chemical safety, fire prevention and fighting (PCCC), and environmental protection requirements.

  • Business and storage areas must be equipped with adequate ventilation and safe lighting systems. Floors must be waterproof and equipped with curbs/drainage channels for collecting leaked or spilled chemicals.

  • Adequate emergency response equipment must be available, including fire extinguishers, sand, emergency eyewash stations, first-aid cabinets, etc.

• Personnel requirements:

  • The person responsible for chemical safety at the facility must have at least an intermediate-level qualification in a chemical-related field.

  • Employees directly involved in the production and trading of chemicals, as well as warehouse keepers and chemical delivery personnel, must undergo periodic chemical safety training and hold valid certificates/recognition documents.

• Safety management requirements:

  • The business must have completed and obtained approval/confirmation for the Measures for Prevention of and Response to Chemical Incidents from the competent authority.

3. Required Application Documents

A complete application dossier submitted to the competent authority generally includes:

1. Application for the issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility for Chemical Trading (using the prescribed form).

2. A valid copy of the Enterprise Registration Certificate/Cooperative Registration Certificate/Household Business Registration Certificate.

3. A valid copy of documents proving the lawful right to use the business premises and/or warehouse, or a valid lease agreement.

4. A copy of the fire prevention and fighting (PCCC) acceptance document or approved PCCC design, where applicable, or a fire safety inspection record.

5. A copy of the approval decision or confirmation document regarding environmental protection requirements, as prescribed.

6. A copy of the approval decision or confirmation document for the Measures/Plan for Prevention of and Response to Chemical Incidents.

7. Personnel documents, including a copy of the chemical-related qualification of the person responsible for chemical safety and the decision recognizing the results of chemical safety training for employees.

4. Application Process

• Step 1: Submit the application.
  The business submits one complete application dossier either directly, by post, or online through the Public Service Portal of the Department of Industry and Trade where the business premises/warehouse is located.

• Step 2: Application receipt and validity review.
  Within 03 working days from the date of receipt, if the application is incomplete or invalid, the Department of Industry and Trade will issue a written notice requesting the business to supplement or complete the required documents.

• Step 3: On-site inspection.
  Once the application is complete and valid, the competent authority will establish an inspection team to conduct an on-site assessment of the actual conditions at the business premises and warehouse.

• Step 4: Certificate issuance.
  If the actual conditions are consistent with the submitted documents and all requirements are satisfied, the Department of Industry and Trade will issue the Certificate of Eligibility within approximately 15–20 working days, depending on the specific regulations and procedures of each locality.

Songwin International Logistics Vietnam – Your Comprehensive Logistics Partner for Chemical Shipments

Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility for Chemical Trading is only the first step toward legally operating in the market. To safely import chemicals from overseas, comply with Vietnamese regulations, and optimize logistics costs, businesses need a logistics partner with extensive experience in handling these specialized goods.

At Songwin International Logistics Vietnam, we understand the challenges businesses face when managing chemical supply chains. We provide professional, end-to-end logistics solutions, including:

• Pre-import consultation: HS Code classification, CAS number verification, and checking applicable import policies and tariff rates.

• Electronic chemical declaration services: Assisting businesses with the submission of electronic chemical declarations quickly and accurately.

• Comprehensive customs documentation: Handling complex customs documentation to ensure timely customs clearance and minimize the risk of unexpected storage and demurrage costs.

• Specialized domestic and international transportation: Providing dedicated transportation solutions for dangerous goods, ensuring safety throughout the journey from the port to the customer's warehouse.

Don't let complicated procedures delay your business operations. If your company is planning to import or distribute industrial chemicals, contact Songwin International Logistics Vietnam today for professional consultation and comprehensive support!

SONGWIN INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS VIETNAM CO., LTD

📍 Address: 344 Nguyen Trong Tuyen Street, Tan Son Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

📞 Hotline: +84 83 681 3969 | +84 373 262 105

📧 Email: Sales2@songwinlog.com