Vietnam's New Eyewear Import Rules: Bilingual Labels & QR Codes Required

Introduction

Starting April 15, 2026, Vietnam will enforce new import regulations for eyewear products (including optical glasses, sunglasses, and smart glasses). The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) mandates bilingual Vietnamese-Chinese labeling and QR code traceability via the VnTrace platform. This policy directly impacts global eyewear exporters, particularly Chinese manufacturers, who must adapt packaging and documentation to avoid customs clearance delays.

Event Overview

Vietnam's MOIT issued Circular No. 18/2026/TT-BCT on March 25, 2026, requiring:

• All imported eyewear packaging and manuals to include Vietnamese translations alongside original languages
• QR codes linking to the government-approved VnTrace platform for product verification
• Full compliance by April 15, with non-conforming products rejected at customs

Impact on Sub-Sectors

Export Manufacturers

Chinese OEMs supplying Vietnam face immediate operational adjustments. Analysis shows production lines may require:

• Redesigned packaging templates with Vietnamese text
• Additional lead time for bilingual documentation preparation

Supply Chain Services

Logistics providers must verify dual-language compliance and functional QR codes before shipment. Current observations suggest:

• Potential 2-3 day delays for compliance checks
• Increased demand for Vietnam-localized labeling services

Retail Distributors

Vietnamese importers may temporarily reduce orders during the transition period to mitigate inventory risks from non-compliant shipments.

Key Action Points

Prioritize Documentation Localization

Exporters should:

• Engage professional Vietnamese translators for technical terminology
• Allocate 15% additional time for packaging proofreading cycles

Implement QR Code Integration

Current best practices include:

• Registering products on VnTrace 30 days before shipment
• Testing scan success rates across common Vietnamese mobile apps

Monitor Customs Updates

Vietnam's customs may issue technical guidelines for QR placement and data fields. Industry sources suggest subscribing to MOIT's regulatory alerts.

Industry Perspective

From an industry standpoint, this regulation signals Vietnam's broader trend toward:

• Standardizing import documentation for consumer goods
• Enhancing product traceability systems

While initially affecting eyewear, similar requirements may expand to other personal accessories. The policy's implementation phase through 2026 Q2 warrants close observation for potential adjustments.

Conclusion

Vietnam's new eyewear import rules represent a measurable compliance shift rather than a market barrier. Export-oriented manufacturers should treat this as an opportunity to strengthen supply chain adaptability for Southeast Asian markets. The immediate focus should be on seamless documentation transition to maintain shipment continuity.

Source

Vietnam Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) Circular No. 18/2026/TT-BCT, published March 25, 2026. Ongoing monitoring recommended for potential supplementary guidelines.