What is a Domain Name? And the Obligation to Declare According to Law
A domain name is a website's address on the Internet, used to identify the online identity of a business, organization, or individual. In the context of Vietnamese law, a domain name linked to a sales website must be declared with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to ensure compliance with e-commerce regulations.
Common Types of Domain Names
Vietnamese National Domain Name (.vn)
Managed by the Vietnam Internet Network Information Center (VNNIC). This is the most common type of domain name and is strictly protected by Vietnamese law.
International Domain Names
Domain names such as .com, .net, .org, .info... are registered through international domain name providers. International domain names must still be declared if used for commercial purposes in Vietnam.
Subdomains
Are child branches of the main domain, such as shop.domain.com. Subdomains used to introduce products or conduct commercial transactions are also subject to declaration.
Why Declare Your Domain Name?
Declaring your domain name helps:
- Meet legal requirements for e-commerce under Decree 52/2013/ND-CP and Decree 85/2021/ND-CP
- Increase the credibility of the website with consumers and partners
- Reduce the risk of administrative penalties, suspension of website operations, or being listed in the warning list of the Ministry of Industry and Trade
Cases Where Websites Need to Declare Domain Names
Online Sales Commercial Websites
Websites that introduce products and have ordering, payment, and user account creation functions must declare their domain names to avoid violating regulations.
Websites Providing Automated Services
Including transaction platforms, transport service booking applications, food and beverage, hotels, online auctions, payment intermediaries, digital asset rentals...
Websites with Integrated Commercial Features but Not Directly Selling
Websites that introduce products or services but link to external platforms for transactions may still need to be declared if they are owned by businesses with clear business operations.
Websites Using International Domain Names
Even if the domain name is not .vn, if the website targets customers in Vietnam or conducts transactions with Vietnamese people, declaration is still mandatory according to regulations.
Detailed Instructions on How to Declare Domain Names with the Ministry of Industry and Trade
Register an Account on the E-Commerce Management System
Visit https://online.gov.vn
Select "Business Account Registration"
Enter business information, contact email, tax code, business license
Verify email and wait for account approval
Create a New Website Declaration Profile
Log in to the system with the verified account
Select the function "Declare E-Commerce Sales Website"
Enter information about the domain name, managing unit, business lines
Attach photos of the website interface, terms of use, privacy policy, transaction conditions
Documents and Content Required When Declaring
Legal Documents:
Business registration certificate
ID card/Citizen ID of the legal representative
Domain name ownership or authorization contract
Information on the Website:
Clear information about the business (name, address, phone number, email)
Delivery, payment, and return policies
Terms of use and user data privacy notices
Application Review and Processing Time
The Ministry of Industry and Trade will review the application within 3–7 working days
If complete and valid, the website will display the status "Registered"
If there are omissions, the system will send an email requesting additions or corrections
Update Profile When There Are Changes
When the business changes its domain name, website content, legal information, or business form, it must log in to update the profile
Failure to update may result in the website's valid registration status being revoked
Benefits of Registering Domain Names with the Ministry of Industry and Trade
Increase Credibility with Customers and Partners
The website displays the "Registered" logo, which helps increase transparency and creates peace of mind for customers when shopping online, especially in the context of rampant fake goods and fraud.
Protected by Law in Case of Disputes
When a website has been registered and operates legally, the business will be prioritized in protecting its interests in the event of disputes, especially in cases involving domain names, content copyright, and commercial fraud.
Facilitate Connection to Payment and Advertising Platforms
Many major partners such as banks, e-wallets, e-commerce platforms, or Google and Facebook require websites to be properly declared before they can link systems or approve advertising.
Important Notes When Declaring Domain Names
Subdomains Also Need to Be Declared
If subdomains like shop.domain.com, store.domain.vn are used for sales or transaction purposes, the business still needs to declare them as independent websites.
The Website Must Have Full Legal Elements
- Clear and accurate business information
- Transparent transaction and security terms
- Payment mechanisms that ensure safety for consumers
What are the Penalties for Not Declaring or Declaring Incorrectly?
According to Decree 98/2020/ND-CP, businesses that do not declare or declare false information may be fined from VND 10–20 million, forced to suspend website operations, and publicly announced on the Ministry's information portal.
Should I Declare a Website That Is Not Working or Incomplete?
Only declare when the website is working and has full functionality. If the website is incomplete or only for display without transactions, the business can wait until it is complete to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions About Domain Name Declaration
Can I Declare Multiple Domain Names for One Business?
Absolutely. A business can own multiple websites with different domain names. Each website needs to be declared separately if it has e-commerce functions.
How Long Does Domain Name Declaration Take and Can I Track Progress?
Processing time is from 3–7 working days. Businesses can log in to their accounts to check the application processing progress or receive notifications via email.
How Long Does It Take to Prepare the Declaration Dossier?
If the information and documents are complete, the business can complete the declaration within 30–60 minutes. However, it is necessary to carefully check the website content before submitting the application to avoid having to edit it many times.
Is It Mandatory to Have a .vn Domain Name?
Not mandatory. Whether using international domain names such as .com, .org, .info... if the website targets the Vietnamese market, the business still needs to declare it with the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Registering a domain name with the Ministry of Industry and Trade is an essential step to help businesses comply with the law and build a transparent image in e-commerce activities. In the current era of digitization and fierce competition, owning a legally recognized website is not only an obligation but also a long-term business advantage. Actively check the website status and make a timely declaration to avoid unnecessary risks.
Contact Information
- MIMA TRADING SERVICE COMPANY LIMITED
- Address: 36/1/2 Phung Thi Chuyen, Thoi Tam Thon Commune, Hoc Mon District, Ho Chi Minh City
- Phone: 0909 035 333
- Website: https://mimadigi.com
- Email: info@.mimadig.com
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