Liquor Trading License

1. Wholesale Liquor License in Vietnam

Vietnam ranks 5th in Asia in terms of beer and alcohol consumption, making it an attractive investment sector for many businesses. However, most of these businesses are unsure of the procedures and requirements for obtaining a wholesale liquor license.

A. Overview of Regulations on Wholesale Liquor Business

1. Wholesale liquor businesses must obtain a Wholesale Liquor License

• To other wholesale traders, retail traders, and on-site consumption traders within the licensed province or centrally-run city;
• To traders purchasing alcohol for export;
• Direct retail and on-site consumption at the trader's business locations within the licensed province or centrally-run city.

• Must be an enterprise established in accordance with the law.
• Have the legal right to use a warehouse or warehouse system with a total floor area of at least 50 square meters.
• Alcoholic beverages intended for business must meet food safety requirements as prescribed by law.
• Have a wholesale network in the province or centrally-run city where the trader's head office is located, with at least 03 retail alcohol traders.
• Have an introduction letter or a letter of intent from an alcohol producer, distributor, or other wholesale trader.
• Ensure full compliance with fire prevention and fighting, and environmental protection requirements as prescribed by law.

• Copies of the introductory documents or principle contracts of the domestic manufacturer, distributor or other wholesaler, clearly stating the types of liquor intended for business in accordance with the activities of the manufacturer, distributor or other wholesaler;
• Copies of the Liquor Manufacturing License, Distribution License or Wholesale Liquor License of the liquor suppliers.

- A commitment made by the trader, stating that the trader ensures full compliance with the requirements and conditions on fire prevention and fighting, environmental protection according to the law at the head office, business location and warehouse.

• The trader submits the application dossier directly, by mail or online (if applicable) to the Department of Industry and Trade;
• Within 15 working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid application, the Department of Industry and Trade will review, assess and issue a license to the trader. In case of refusal to grant, a written response must be provided stating the reasons.
• If the application dossier is not yet complete, within 03 working days from the date of receiving the dossier, the licensing authority must issue a written request for additional information.

B. Services for Applying for a Wholesale Liquor License

1. Regarding License Application and Service Fees

• Necessary documents for the process: Legal documents of the business establishment, business owner; documents of alcohol suppliers; Copies of the Certificate of Acceptance of Compliance Declaration or Certificate of Confirmation of Compliance with Food Safety Regulations (for alcohol without technical regulations) of the alcoholic beverages to be traded.
• Sign the documents and files prepared by Thiên Di for the customer.
• Closely coordinate with Thiên Di in the necessary activities to obtain the license.

II. Amendment and Supplement of Wholesale Liquor License

• The organization or individual prepares a complete and valid application according to the regulations.
• Upon receiving the application, the civil servant receiving the application will check the components and validity of the application and compare the original documents with the copies:
• If the application is complete and valid, a receipt and appointment letter will be issued to the applicant.
• If the application is incomplete or invalid, the civil servant receiving the application will guide the applicant to complete the application according to the regulations.
• The professional department specialist will appraise the application and inspect the premises to draw up a record of appraisal of the conditions of the location and technical and material facilities for business operation according to the regulations. If the conditions are met, the procedure will be completed, submitted to the Director of the Department of Industry and Trade for signing and issuance.
• On the appointment date, the owner (or representative of the owner) presents the appointment letter, pays the fee, and receives the documents.

• The trader is an enterprise established in accordance with the law and has registered to buy and sell liquor.
• Have a fixed business location with a clear address.
• Have a warehouse (or warehouse system) suitable for the business scale of the enterprise, ensuring the conditions for preserving liquor quality, fire prevention and fighting, food safety and hygiene, and environmental protection according to the law regulations.
• Have an introduction letter or wholesale contract, wholesale distribution contract with at least one liquor supplier (importer, manufacturer, or other wholesaler); organize a stable distribution system in the area.

 

 

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