HCMC – Starting July 1, the authority to certify advertising content for health supplements will be transferred from the Vietnam Food Administration (VFA) under the Ministry of Health to chairpersons of provincial/city people’s committees.
The key provision is set out in Government Resolution No. 21/2026/NQ-CP, which aims to streamline administrative procedures in the healthcare sector. Instead of applying through a central agency as at present, businesses will be able to complete procedures for advertising content approval at the local level.
The decentralization is seen as a breakthrough move to facilitate business activities, cutting costs and travel time.
The new licensing process also sets clear timelines. Within 10 working days of receiving a complete and valid application via the online public service system, local authorities must review and issue a decision.
If amendments or additional documents are required, authorities may request them only once and must provide written explanations citing legal grounds. If businesses fail to complete the dossier within 90 working days, the application will become invalid.
Alongside decentralization, the Ministry of Health and relevant agencies will strengthen post-inspection to ensure strict enforcement. Monitoring will be conducted regularly across media channels, social networks, and e-commerce platforms to tightly control advertising content for health supplements and protect consumers.
Lists of approved products and companies will be publicly disclosed on the websites of receiving agencies and in the national food safety database.
