Dossier and Procedures for Obtaining an E-commerce Business License

An e-commerce business license is a mandatory requirement for individuals and organizations operating legally in the field of e-commerce. With the rapid development of online business models, registering for this license helps businesses comply with legal regulations, avoid potential risks, and build trust with customers.

This article provides a detailed guide on the required documents and procedures for obtaining an e-commerce license, helping businesses easily complete the registration process and ensure smooth business operations.

Entities Eligible to Apply for an E-commerce Business License

Organizations or enterprises engaging in e-commerce activities may apply for a license if they own and operate one of the following types of websites:

• E-commerce trading floor: A platform that provides an intermediary environment for buyers and sellers to conduct online transactions.

• Online promotion website: A platform that supports businesses in promoting products or services through promotional campaigns.

• Online auction website: A website that allows users to participate in bidding for products or services.

Forms of E-commerce Activities

According to Article 35 of Decree No. 52/2013/ND-CP, the following forms of e-commerce organization are recognized:

E-commerce sales websites

An e-commerce sales website is established by traders, organizations, or individuals to conduct trade promotion activities, sell goods, or provide services.

Eligible applicants include traders, organizations, and individuals who have been granted a personal tax identification number.

E-commerce service websites

An e-commerce service website is established by traders or organizations to provide an environment for other traders, organizations, or individuals to conduct commercial activities.

Eligible applicants include traders or organizations operating in the field of trade promotion or business support that own an e-commerce service website.

Conditions for Obtaining an E-commerce Trading Floor License

To obtain a license for an e-commerce trading floor, an enterprise must satisfy the following conditions:

• Legal entity status: The enterprise must be legally established under Vietnamese law and possess a valid business registration certificate.

• Operational plan: The enterprise must prepare a detailed plan for providing e-commerce services, including operational methods, transaction management, and user protection mechanisms.

• Website registration with the Ministry of Industry and Trade: The e-commerce service website must be properly registered and display the official verification icon issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Procedures for Registering an E-commerce Trading Floor

Procedure for Notification of an E-commerce Sales Website

For an e-commerce sales website, the owner must notify the Ministry of Industry and Trade by following these steps:

Step 1: Register an account on the management system

Access the website www.online.gov.vn to create an account and provide the following information:

• Name of the trader, organization, or individual

• Business registration number (for traders), establishment decision number (for organizations), or personal tax identification number (for individuals)

• Business sector or field of operation

• Head office address (for traders or organizations) or permanent residence address (for individuals)

• Contact information including telephone number, email, and fax (if any)

Step 2: Notify the website to the Ministry of Industry and Trade

After successfully creating an account, log in to the system and submit the website notification according to the provided template.

Within 03 working days, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will respond via email with one of the following results:

• Confirmation that the website notification is complete and valid

• A request to amend or supplement information if errors or missing data are identified. In this case, the applicant must update the information and resubmit it according to the instructions.

Procedure for Registering an E-commerce Service Website

Required documents:

• Application form for registration of an e-commerce service website (Form TMĐT-1)

• A certified copy of the establishment decision (for organizations), or the enterprise registration certificate, investment registration certificate, or investment license (for traders)

• A service provision plan in accordance with Clause 3, Article 54 of Decree No. 52/2013/ND-CP

• Regulations on the management and operation of the e-commerce service website in accordance with Point d, Clause 2, Article 55 of Decree No. 52/2013/ND-CP

• A sample service contract or cooperation agreement between the website owner and participating traders, organizations, or individuals

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

Step 1: Register an account on the system

Enter the website www.online.gov.vn and register an account by providing the following information:

• Enterprise name as stated in the business registration certificate

• Business registration number issued by the competent authority

• Business field or operational sector related to e-commerce

• Registered head office address

• Contact information including phone number, email, and the responsible person for registration

After completing the information, submit the account registration request for system processing.

Step 2: Account confirmation

Within 03 working days, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will review the request and respond via the registered email address. Possible outcomes include:

• Account approved: If the information is complete and valid, the enterprise will receive login credentials to proceed with the next steps.

• Request for additional information or rejection: If the information is incomplete or invalid, the Ministry will request modifications or additional details.

Step 3: Register the e-commerce service website

After receiving the login account, the enterprise must:

• Log in to the system

• Select the function “Register e-commerce service website”

• Complete the online registration form

• Upload the required documents, including:

  • Business registration certificate

  • Information about the e-commerce website

  • Other supporting documents as required by the Ministry of Industry and Trade

Once completed, submit the dossier for review.

Step 4: Review of registration dossier

Within 07 working days, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will examine the application and notify the result via email.

Possible outcomes include:

• Valid dossier: The Ministry confirms that the dossier meets all requirements and provides guidance for the next step.

• Invalid or incomplete dossier: The enterprise must revise or supplement the dossier and resubmit it.

Note:
If the enterprise fails to respond within 30 working days after receiving a request for additional information, the registration application will be canceled and must be submitted again from the beginning.

Step 5: Submit the hard copy dossier

After receiving confirmation that the online dossier is complete and valid, the enterprise must send the hard copy dossier to the E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency – Ministry of Industry and Trade.

The hard copy dossier includes:

• All documents previously submitted online

• Additional legal documents as required by the Ministry of Industry and Trade

The contents of the hard copy dossier must be consistent with the information declared online.

Step 6: Receive the registration confirmation code

Once the application is approved, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will send a registration code via email.

The enterprise must:

• Attach the confirmation code to the e-commerce service website

• Display the registration icon on the website

When users click the icon, they will be redirected to the E-commerce Management Portal, where the enterprise’s registration information is displayed.

Estimated Processing Time

The registration process for an e-commerce service website typically takes 15 – 20 working days, including:

• 3 days for account approval

• 7 days for dossier review

Additional time may be required for processing the hard copy dossier and issuing the confirmation code.

E-commerce Business License Application Service at BKC Law

BKC Law provides comprehensive e-commerce licensing services, assisting enterprises in completing legal procedures quickly, accurately, and efficiently. With extensive experience in corporate legal consultancy, we help clients understand e-commerce regulations and ensure full compliance with legal requirements.

Our services include:

• Advising on licensing conditions and evaluating business models

• Preparing and drafting legal dossiers in accordance with regulatory requirements

• Submitting applications and monitoring the approval process

• Providing post-licensing support to ensure ongoing legal compliance

With a team of professional and dedicated lawyers, BKC Law is committed to delivering fast, cost-effective services with a high success rate. We accompany enterprises throughout the licensing process to ensure that their e-commerce platforms operate legally and sustainably.

For free legal consultation at BKC Law, please contact us:

Phone: 0901 3333 41
Email: info@bkclaw.vn

District 1 Office:
9th Floor, Diamond Plaza Building,
34 Le Duan Street, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

Binh Tan Office:
41 Ten Lua Street, An Lac , Ho Chi Minh City

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