On 24 July 2026, the Customs Department issued Official Letter No. 19363/CHQ-GSQL providing guidance on labeling imported goods bearing the ® symbol. The details are as follows:
1. Correctly understanding the ® symbol under current regulations
Under the regulations, the ® symbol is understood to indicate that the trademark is protected by industrial property rights in Vietnam.
It is considered a violation (misrepresentation of legal status) if an enterprise affixes the ® symbol to goods or packaging in the following cases:
- The trademark has not yet been granted a protection title in Vietnam.
- A registration application has been filed but no title has been granted.
- The protection title has been cancelled or has expired.
However, where the original label of the imported goods already bears the ® symbol but that trademark is not yet protected in Vietnam, the enterprise will NOT be considered in violation if:
- Adding a supplementary label: The goods or packaging (including the supplementary label) provide truthful information about the trademark protection status in Vietnam.
- Content of the supplementary label: It must accurately reflect the nature and origin of the goods and must not misrepresent the content of the original label.
2. Clearance procedure for goods bearing the ® symbol
To facilitate enterprises, the Customs Department provides the following border-gate processing procedure:
- Written commitment: The customs declarant submits a written commitment to the customs authority that a supplementary label will be affixed in accordance with the regulations, adding truthful information about the trademark protection status in Vietnam before the goods are put into circulation.
- Inspection and clearance: The customs authority will examine this written commitment and carry out clearance procedures if the shipment has no other violations.
(According to Official Letter No. 19363/CHQ-GSQL dated 24 July 2026)
Related services: Customs clearance procedures
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