Vietnam to Block Shein and Temu Domains and Apps Over Licensing Issue

Vietnam's Licensing Deadline for Shein and Temu

Vietnam's government has announced that it will block the internet domains and apps of Chinese online retailers Shein and Temu if they do not register their operations with the Ministry of Industry and Trade by the end of November. This decision comes amid growing concerns about the impact of Chinese e-commerce platforms on the local market.

Concerns Over Market Impact

The government’s move is driven by concerns over the competitive effects of these platforms, particularly regarding their heavy discounting practices and the perceived quality of the products they sell. Shein, a fast-fashion retailer, has been operating in Vietnam for some time, while Temu, owned by PDD Holdings, began offering its services to Vietnamese consumers just last month.

Action by the Ministry of Industry and Trade

Vietnamese Deputy Trade Minister Nguyen Hoang Long stated that the ministry had been in discussions with both platforms regarding the need for proper licensing. If Shein and Temu fail to comply with these requirements, the ministry plans to implement technical measures, including blocking their apps and domains. Long emphasized that the Ministry of Industry and Trade would work with other agencies to enforce these actions.

Conclusion

Vietnam’s move is a clear attempt to regulate foreign online platforms and protect its domestic market from potential disruption caused by unlicensed e-commerce activities. Both Shein and Temu now face a strict deadline to meet licensing requirements or face significant penalties.

For further reading, you can check out the following sources:

• Vietnam Plans to Block Shein, Temu Apps and Domains
• Vietnam Government Sets Deadline for E-Commerce Platforms to Register
• Vietnamese Authorities Concerned Over Chinese E-Commerce Market Influence