Regulations on Website Notification and Registration with the MOIT

Today, owning a website is no longer a privilege of large enterprises but a standard requirement for small businesses and individuals alike. However, many are unaware that e-commerce websites must complete the registration or notification procedure with the MOIT before going live. Failure to comply can result in fines ranging from VND 10 to 30 million. This article explains which types of websites must register or notify, the differences between the two procedures, and provides a step-by-step guide to ensure full compliance with current regulations.

What Is Website Registration?

Website registration is a mandatory legal procedure for e-commerce websites that allow users to create stores, list products, or conduct transactions online. This is different from website notification, which only applies to sites that sell their own products or services. Registration helps the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) monitor e-commerce activities, protect consumers, and ensure transparency in online operations. Failure to register on time may result in administrative fines of up to VND 30 million.

Difference Between Website Notification and Registration

Many businesses confuse website notification with registration. The key difference lies in the function of the website:

• Website notification: for sites that sell products or services directly (owned and operated by one business).
• Website registration: required for e-commerce platforms like Shopee, Tiki, Lazada, or any site that allows third-party sellers to join, post listings, or process payments.

Example:
If a company operates a website that allows partners to create accounts and sell goods, even if it does not directly process transactions, it must register with the MOIT.

Websites That Must Be Registered

Under Decree 52/2013/NĐ-CP and Circular 47/2014/TT-BCT, the following websites are required to register with the MOIT:

• E-commerce trading floor websites;
• Online promotion websites;
• Online auction websites;
• Online payment intermediary platforms.

These types of websites act as platforms for multiple sellers, so registration ensures transparency and builds consumer trust.

Consequences of Failing to Register

If a business is required to register but fails to do so, it will face penalties under Decree 98/2020/NĐ-CP, including:

• Fines from VND 20 to 30 million;
• Removal of the violating website from search results;
• Suspension of e-commerce operations for repeat offenses.

Non-compliance also damages the company’s reputation and credibility with customers and partners, especially in online collaborations.

Benefits of Proper Website Registration

Registering your website correctly provides several key advantages:

• Builds trust and credibility with customers;
• Reduces legal and tax risks;
• Serves as a legal safeguard in case of disputes;
• Grants a verified MOIT logo, boosting brand reputation.

In today’s digital economy, a verified website helps increase buyer confidence and strengthens the business’s online presence.

Role of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT)

The MOIT is the government agency responsible for managing e-commerce activities in Vietnam. All registration and notification filings are processed through the official e-commerce portal: online.gov.vn. The MOIT has the authority to inspect, penalize, or revoke non-compliant websites. By registering properly, businesses can operate legally, securely, and sustainably under Vietnam’s e-commerce regulations.

What Is MOIT Website Notification? 

MOIT website notification is a mandatory procedure for businesses, organizations, and individuals who own sales websites. It is a formal declaration to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) confirming that the website operates legally in the field of e-commerce. This procedure differs from website registration, which applies to platforms that allow third parties to sell goods or services. Once the website is properly notified and approved, the business receives a verification mark (blue badge) — a symbol of compliance that enhances credibility and reduces the risk of administrative penalties.

Who Must Notify the MOIT About Their Website

According to Circular 47/2014/TT-BCT, any website that sells goods or services directly on behalf of the business must be notified to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT). Specifically:

• Businesses selling their own products or services through their websites;
• Organizations or individuals conducting e-commerce outside a trading platform;
• Online retail shops with their own domain names (e.g., myshop.vn, thoitrangabc.com).

Regardless of size, any website that allows customers to select products, place orders, or make payments must complete the notification procedure.

Blue Seal vs. Red Seal

When checking a website on the MOIT system, you may see two verification types:

• Blue Seal: Indicates a website has successfully notified the MOIT — usually standard online sales websites.
• Red Seal: Indicates a website has registered (not just notified) — typically for e-commerce platforms, online promotions, or auction sites.

Having a verification seal proves that the business operates legally. For online retailers and service providers, the MOIT blue seal significantly boosts customer trust and conversion rates.

When to Notify Your Website

Businesses must notify the MOIT before their website officially goes live. Ideally, this should be done once shopping cart and payment functions are ready. If you wait until after receiving the first order or after an inspection, it’s already too late. Websites operating without notification may face fines from VND 10–20 million.

When to Update Website Notification

After notification, businesses must update their information in the following cases:

• Domain name changes or addition of subdomains;
• Changes in sales methods or product categories;
• Updates to contact or ownership information;
• Website termination (must cancel the notification).

Updating ensures the MOIT has accurate and current data, which reflects positively in audits or partnerships.

Penalties for Non-Notification

Under Decree 98/2020/NĐ-CP, businesses required to notify but failing to do so may face:

• Fines from VND 10–20 million;
• Website suspension until procedures are completed;
• Public warning on the MOIT management system;
• In repeated cases, revocation of the e-commerce license.

To stay compliant, businesses should regularly verify their website’s notification status, especially when changing domains or business operations.

How to Register a Website with the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT)

Registering a website with the MOIT is mandatory for e-commerce websites that serve as intermediary platforms, such as online marketplaces, auction sites, or promotional websites. This process must be completed before the website officially operates. Unlike simple website notification (for direct sales sites), registration requires more complex documentation, stricter review, and formal operational approval from the authority.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

1. Visit the official MOIT e-commerce management portal: online.gov.vn
2. Create an account using the business’s legal information;
3. Select “Register e-commerce service website”;
4. Fill in website details: domain name, business model, operation type, target users;
5. Attach valid documents (business license, terms of use, privacy policy, etc.);
6. Submit the application and wait for feedback within 7–10 working days.

Once approved, the business will receive a verification code and may display the MOIT registration logo on its website.

Required Registration Documents

A complete registration dossier includes:

• Business Registration Certificate;
• Website Operating Regulations (clearly defining the roles of the operator and users);
• Service contract template (for e-commerce platforms);
• Privacy policy, payment, and return terms;
• Official registration request letter to the MOIT.

All documents must be submitted electronically (PDF or Word format). Any document with signatures or seals should be scanned from the original to ensure legal validity.

Processing Time and Results

• The MOIT will send a confirmation email within 3–5 working days of submission.
• If additional information is needed, the Ministry will issue a request for clarification.
• Once the dossier is complete and valid, the final review takes 7–10 working days.
• Upon approval, the website will receive a verification code, and its information will be publicly listed on online.gov.vn.
• If rejected, the business will receive detailed feedback for correction and resubmission.

How to Obtain and Embed the Verification Code

After approval, the MOIT system provides a script code (HTML snippet) that displays the “Registered with MOIT” logo on the website’s footer. When visitors click the logo, they are redirected to the website’s registration record on the MOIT portal — serving as official proof of compliance and authenticity.

Submitting Hard Copies (if required)

While most registrations are processed online, some cases may require physical submission (e.g., verification requests or local Department of Industry and Trade involvement).
If so:

• Print and sign all documents clearly, with official company seals;
• Submit directly or by post to the E-commerce Management Division, MOIT;
• Keeping hard copies ready can expedite verification if cross-checking is needed.

✅ Tip: Completing registration properly not only ensures legal compliance but also helps businesses build credibility, strengthen brand trust, and avoid administrative fines.

Is It Necessary to Notify the MOIT About a Sales Website? 

 ✅ Yes. If your website introduces products, allows customers to place orders, submit purchase information, or make payments — whether operated by a company or an individual — you are required to notify the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT). This applies to all e-commerce sales websites, regardless of scale or industry. Website notification is not the same as registration, but it is still a legal obligation that must be completed before the site officially operates, to avoid administrative penalties.

Do Individual Sellers Need to Notify?

Yes. Even individuals or sole proprietors who own their own sales websites must notify the MOIT. You don’t need to be a company or have a tax code — if you use a website to sell goods or services (even through simple order forms, Zalo, or phone), notification is required. This ensures transparency in e-commerce, helps trace product origins, and prevents tax evasion or fraud. Failure to notify may result in a fine of VND 10–20 million.

Do Mobile Apps Need to Be Notified Like Websites?

Yes. Mobile apps (on Android or iOS) with features such as product listings, booking, ordering, or online payments are also considered e-commerce platforms and must be notified to the MOIT. No matter the platform — website or mobile app — if it facilitates commercial transactions, it falls under MOIT’s e-commerce regulations. So, if your business runs a sales or booking app, make sure it’s properly notified just like a website.

Do You Need to Notify Again After Website Updates?

Yes. After completing the initial notification, you must update your registration on online.gov.vn if you:

• Change your website design or layout;
• Add ordering or payment features;
• Introduce promotions or discount functions;
• Expand to new product categories.

These updates ensure your information matches the actual operation.
Failing to update may result in public warnings or fines of VND 5–10 million.

When Is a Website Considered a Sales Website?

According to the MOIT, a website is classified as a sales website if it includes any of the following:

• “Buy Now,” “Order,” or “Add to Cart” buttons;
• Forms for quotes, bookings, or consultation requests;
• Integrated online payment tools or transfer instructions;
• Product listings with descriptions and prices.

You don’t need a full e-commerce payment system — any customer interaction that leads to a sale qualifies your site as a sales website requiring notification.

If the Website Only Promotes Products

If your website only introduces your business or products without price listings, order forms, or sales interactions, notification may not be required. However, the line between “promotion” and “sales” is thin.
If your site includes:

• A hotline or contact form for orders;
• “Contact to Buy” buttons;
• Zalo or Facebook chat integrations for sales inquiries —

…it will likely be classified as a sales website, and notification is advised.
Since the procedure is free and simple, notifying early helps you avoid penalties later and ensures full compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Website Registration with the MOIT

When registering or notifying your website with the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), businesses often have questions about required documents, deadlines, and post-registration obligations. Below is a summary of the most common FAQs and clear answers to help you avoid mistakes during the process.

1. Does website registration have an expiration date?

No. Once you register or notify your website with the MOIT, there’s no expiration period — it’s valid indefinitely.
However, you must update your information on online.gov.vn if there are changes in:

• Website ownership;
• Content, functions, or scope of operations;
• Domain name;
• Business model (e.g., from a sales site to an e-commerce platform).

Failure to update may cause your website to be considered non-compliant and could result in fines or revocation of your verification code.

2. Do I need to re-register if I transfer the domain?

✅ Yes. Domain transfer means a change in ownership. The new owner must:

• Re-register or re-notify the website under their name;
• Update ownership information on online.gov.vn;
• Reapply the MOIT verification code once approved.

The previous owner should notify the MOIT to deactivate or remove the old record.
Not updating ownership can cause legal disputes or data conflicts later.

3. Can I register the website myself or do I need a service provider?

You can register it yourself, provided you understand the process and have all required documents prepared correctly. However, since the MOIT system requires specific formats, digital signatures, and embedded verification codes, many businesses prefer to use professional support services to save time and avoid errors.

These service providers help you:

• Prepare valid documentation;
• Submit registration online;
• Track approval progress and respond to feedback;
• Embed the verification logo/code on your website.

This is especially useful for small businesses without in-house legal or IT staff.

4. How long does it take to receive the verification logo?

Normally, after a complete and valid submission, the approval and issuance of the MOIT verification code takes 5–7 working days.
However, delays may occur if:

• The dossier is incomplete or incorrect;
• The applicant doesn’t respond promptly to requests for clarification;
• There’s a backlog of applications during peak periods.

👉 Tip: Prepare your documents early and monitor your email regularly for MOIT feedback.

5. How to check if a website is already registered?

You can easily verify your website’s registration or notification status:

1. Visit https://online.gov.vn;
2. Select the “Tra cứu” (Lookup) tab;
3. Enter your domain name (without “https://”);
4. View the status: Registered, Under review, or Not registered.

If your website is not listed, complete the notification or registration process immediately to avoid public warnings or administrative fines. You can also verify legitimacy by clicking the MOIT verification logo displayed on the registered website.

Registering or notifying your website with the MOIT isn’t just a legal requirement — it’s a trust signal to customers and partners. Failure to comply can result in fines from VND 10–30 million, potential suspension, and damage to your brand reputation. If you need help with document preparation, submission, or follow-up, our legal and accounting service team can assist you in completing the process quickly, accurately, and in full compliance with the law.

For any inquiries, contact Wacontre Accounting Services via Hotline: (028) 3820 1213 or email info@wacontre.com for prompt assistance. With a team of experienced professionals, Wacontre is committed to providing dedicated and efficient service. (For Japanese clients, please contact Hotline: (050) 5534 5505).