Vietnam’s Government has introduced a temporary mechanism allowing qualifying companies to continue using existing labels and commercial packaging printed with their former corporate name. Resolution No. 39/2026/NQ-CP was issued and entered into force on 25 August 2026. The measure is intended to reduce unnecessary packaging destruction and reprinting costs where a name change does not alter the responsible legal entity.

The Resolution applies when a company changes its registered name without terminating its legal personality or changing its rights, obligations, enterprise code or responsibility for the relevant goods. It covers labels and commercial packaging that were printed or manufactured before the company received an enterprise-registration certificate recording its new name. Cases already falling under the transitional provisions in Article 98(4) of Decree No. 37/2026/NĐ-CP are excluded from this separate mechanism.

Conditions for Using Existing Labels

A qualifying company may continue using its inventory of old-name labels and packaging for 12 months from the date of the enterprise-registration certificate recording the new name. Only stock already in existence on that date qualifies. Companies must not order, print or manufacture new labels or packaging carrying the former name after the name change is registered.

Using the transition does not exempt a company from product-quality, consumer-protection or sector-specific legislation. All other mandatory label information must remain accurate, and the continued use of the former name must not mislead consumers about the identity of the company responsible for the goods. The company also remains legally responsible for product safety, quality, origin and traceability.

Goods labelled or packaged with qualifying old-name materials during the 12-month period may continue circulating until their stated expiry date. However, the company cannot use the remaining old-name materials to label or package additional goods after its individual transition period ends. This distinction makes accurate inventory and production-date records particularly important.

Documentation and System Updates

Companies using the mechanism must maintain evidence showing when the labels or packaging were printed or manufactured and the quantity held when the new enterprise-registration certificate was issued. Relevant evidence may include production, procurement, warehouse receipt, inventory and dispatch records. These records must be provided to the competent authorities if requested.

The name change must be made publicly traceable through the National Business Registration Information System, the company’s website or another appropriate communication channel. Product-quality declarations, self-declaration dossiers, barcodes, traceability records and related management systems must also be updated with the new name no later than the end of the 12-month transition. Companies should map all affected databases and product records to prevent old and new corporate information from becoming inconsistent.

Practical Compliance Impact

Manufacturers, importers and other entities responsible for goods in Vietnam can use the Resolution to avoid immediately destroying compliant packaging solely because it carries a former company name. Businesses should nevertheless establish a controlled inventory of eligible materials, retain supporting documentation and prevent suppliers from producing additional old-name packaging. A clear conversion date should also be established for each product and regulatory system.

Resolution No. 39/2026/NQ-CP is a temporary mechanism. It will cease to apply when the corresponding amendment to Article 98(4) of Decree No. 37/2026/NĐ-CP enters into force, unless the Government decides otherwise. Companies should therefore monitor the amendment and not assume that the Resolution will remain available indefinitely.