Alcohol Wholesale Licensing Service in Vietnam

The Alcohol Wholesale Licensing Service demands strict adherence to Vietnamese law. Alcohol trading enterprises must satisfy conditions, prepare complete dossiers, and follow correct procedures. Clients require clear understanding of the licensing process to prevent administrative violations. This article by Long Phan Consulting Company analyzes the detailed process, support services, and penalties related to alcohol wholesale licensing.

Alcohol Wholesale License Application Process

The alcohol wholesale license application process complies with Decree 105/2017/ND-CP and guiding documents. Enterprises must complete procedural steps according to legal regulations. Correct process execution ensures swift dossier processing time.

Dossier for Alcohol Wholesale License Application

As stipulated in Article 22, Decree 105/2017/ND-CP, the dossier for an alcohol wholesale license includes:

• An application form for an Alcohol Wholesale License (Form No. 01, issued with Decree 105/2017/ND-CP).
• A copy of the Certificate of Enterprise Registration or equivalent document.
• Copies of principle contracts, confirmation letters, or commitments to participate in an alcohol wholesale system, accompanied by copies of the Alcohol Retail Licenses of traders expected to join the wholesale system; OR a copy of the enterprise’s branch registration certificate or business location registration certificate for alcohol trading.
• Documents related to alcohol suppliers:
  • Copies of introduction letters or principle contracts from domestic producers, distributors, or other wholesalers, clearly stating the types of alcohol intended for trade, consistent with the operations of said producers, distributors, or wholesalers.
  • Copies of the Alcohol Production Licenses, Alcohol Distribution Licenses, or Alcohol Wholesale Licenses of the alcohol suppliers.

Competent Authority for Alcohol Wholesale License Issuance

Provincial-level Departments of Industry and Trade are the competent authorities for issuing the Alcohol Wholesale License. Enterprises submit dossiers to the Department of Industry and Trade where their head office is located. Licensing authority is clearly defined in Article 25, Decree 105/2017/ND-CP. The Department of Industry and Trade receives, appraises, and issues licenses within its managed territory. This authority is responsible for checking dossier completeness and validity before making a decision. Coordination among specialized divisions ensures efficient dossier processing.

Procedure for Alcohol Wholesale License Application

Step 1: Dossier Preparation and Submission Alcohol wholesale traders submit one complete dossier set to the Department of Industry and Trade as regulated. Submission methods include: direct submission at the authority’s office, online via the electronic single-window system, or by postal service. Fees and charges are per Ministry of Finance regulations. Enterprises receive results via their registered method.

Step 2: Dossier Appraisal The receiving authority has 03 working days to check dossier completeness. If documents are missing, the licensing authority issues a written request for supplementation. The dossier processing time is 15 working days from receipt of a complete and valid dossier, per Article 22, Decree 105/2017/ND-CP. The Department of Industry and Trade appraises, reviews, and issues the license or refuses issuance. Refusal requires a written statement specifying reasons.

Step 3: Receiving Results from the Competent Authority

Alcohol Wholesale Licensing Service at Long Phan Consulting Company

Long Phan Consulting Company provides professional Alcohol Wholesale Licensing Service for enterprises. Our team of lawyers possesses experience in commercial law and business licensing. The service ensures full compliance with current legal regulations.

Scope of the Alcohol Wholesale Licensing Service

In-depth Consultation on Alcohol Wholesale License Conditions

Long Phan Consulting Company’s Alcohol Wholesale Licensing Service offers a comprehensive solution, assisting enterprises to complete license application procedures quickly, legally, and time-efficiently. Based on Article 12, Decree 105/2017/ND-CP, we provide detailed analysis of each condition, ensuring enterprises meet all current regulatory criteria.

Enterprise Status Analysis

Long Phan Consulting Company thoroughly reviews an enterprise’s current status to assess suitability for alcohol wholesale license conditions. Inspected items include:

• Certificate of Enterprise Registration: Ensuring lawful establishment under the Law on Enterprises.
• Business Lines: Verifying registration of business lines appropriate for alcohol trading.
• Charter Capital: Assessing current capital adequacy for stable, sustainable alcohol wholesale operations.

Conditions for Alcohol Wholesale License Granting

According to Article 12, Decree 105/2017/ND-CP, enterprises seeking an alcohol wholesale license must meet specific conditions:

• Be a lawfully established enterprise: The enterprise must be established per Vietnamese law, with valid business registration from the business registration authority.
• Possess documents proving a legitimate alcohol supply source.

With our Alcohol Wholesale Licensing Service, Long Phan Consulting Company commits to assisting enterprises from dossier preparation to submission and result collection. Our experienced specialists will accompany enterprises throughout the process, ensuring procedures are lawful, timely, and meet actual business needs.

Consultation on Alcohol Wholesale Systems and Local Distribution Network Development Plans

Within the framework of our Alcohol Wholesale Licensing Service, Long Phan Consulting Company not only helps enterprises meet regulatory conditions but also provides specialized guidance on establishing a suitable alcohol distribution system in the province or city where the enterprise’s head office is located.

Legal Requirements for Alcohol Wholesale Systems

As per Clause 6, Article 16, Decree 17/2020/ND-CP, a mandatory condition for an Alcohol Wholesale License is that the enterprise must have an alcohol distribution system, demonstrated by: “An introduction letter or principle contract with at least 01 alcohol retail trader in the intended business territory.” This content reflects practical requirements in managing alcohol trading activities and ensures connectivity between wholesale and retail stages within the administrative territory where the enterprise operates.

Guidance on Establishing Relationships with Alcohol Retail Traders

To meet the above condition, Long Phan Consulting Company will:

• Assist enterprises in finding and establishing commercial cooperation with at least one lawful alcohol retail trader in the provincial territory of the head office.
• Draft or review principle contracts or introduction letters, ensuring content meets requirements.
• Guide the steps for confirming cooperation from the retail trader to complete the alcohol wholesale license application dossier.

Alternative: Establishing Branches or Business Locations

Enterprises may consider establishing branches or business locations in the intended distribution area to avoid the obligation of forming relationships with retail traders. This is a lawful and accepted solution in licensing practice because:

• When an enterprise organizes its distribution system through its own controlled branches or business locations, contracts with independent retail traders are not needed.
• Branch establishment follows the Law on Enterprises 2020 and only requires notification to the Department of Planning and Investment where the branch is located. Long Phan Consulting Company will fully support procedures for establishing branches and business locations, integrating this process into the alcohol wholesale license application dossier, helping enterprises optimize strategy and practical operations.

Consultation on Establishing Cooperation with Alcohol Suppliers

Our Alcohol Wholesale Licensing Service includes comprehensive consultation on building cooperative relationships with alcohol suppliers – an essential condition for licensing under current law.

Guidance on Negotiating and Signing Principle Contracts with Alcohol Suppliers

According to Article 12, Decree 105/2017/ND-CP, enterprises applying for an alcohol wholesale license must prove a legitimate supply source through an introduction letter or principle contract with one of the following entities:

• Alcohol producers;
• Alcohol distributors;
• Or other alcohol wholesalers. Signing principle contracts serves not only to meet licensing conditions but also as a foundation for sustainable goods trading, avoiding dispute risks during operation.

Consultation on Rights and Obligations of Alcohol Wholesale Traders

Concurrently with building supplier relationships, enterprises must understand their responsibilities as alcohol wholesale traders. According to Article 18, Decree 105/2017/ND-CP, alcohol wholesale traders have basic rights and obligations:

Rights of alcohol wholesale traders:

• Purchase alcohol from traders holding valid Alcohol Production, Distribution, or Wholesale Licenses.
• Sell alcohol to other wholesale traders, retail traders, or to organizations and individuals for consumption (not for business purposes).
• Organize their own distribution system consistent with the granted license.

Obligations of alcohol wholesale traders:

• Ensure alcohol trading adheres to type, volume, concentration, packaging, and labeling.
• Comply with regulations on goods labeling and origin traceability.
• Periodically report on alcohol trading situations as required by competent authorities.
• Store contracts, invoices, and documents proving the lawful origin of alcohol. Long Phan Consulting Company will assist enterprises in organizing compliance management systems and building internal processes aligned with obligations, ensuring no violations during alcohol wholesale operations.

Dossier Preparation and Drafting Service

Drafting the application for an Alcohol Wholesale License according to Form No. 01, amended by Clause 25, Article 16, Decree 17/2020/ND-CP. Specialists complete enterprise information, business territory, intended alcohol types, and other mandatory details. We cross-check information with the Certificate of Enterprise Registration for accuracy.

Our drafting support service includes:

• Preparing copies of the Certificate of Enterprise Registration or equivalent legal documents: We notarize copies as regulated, check validity periods, and ensure document legitimacy. We guide enterprises on renewing or updating documents if necessary.
• Drafting documents for the alcohol wholesale system in two forms: Assisting in preparing copies of principle contracts, confirmation letters, or commitments to participate in the wholesale system with copies of Alcohol Retail Licenses; or copies of Branch/Business Location Registration Certificates. Lawyers analyze specific cases to choose the most suitable form.
• Preparing documents related to alcohol suppliers: The dossier includes copies of introduction letters or principle contracts from domestic producers, distributors, or other wholesalers. We verify that content clearly states intended alcohol types consistent with supplier operations. We also prepare copies of the suppliers’ Alcohol Production, Distribution, or Wholesale Licenses.

Authorization Service

Beyond in-depth consultation on conditions and distribution system strategies, Long Phan Consulting Company’s Alcohol Wholesale Licensing Service includes a comprehensive authorization service, representing enterprises directly in all administrative procedures with competent state authorities. With an experienced team of lawyers and specialists, we ensure the process is swift, lawful, and minimizes procedural risks for enterprises.

The authorization service includes:

• Receiving authorization to represent the enterprise in all procedures for obtaining the alcohol wholesale license at the Department of Industry and Trade. Long Phan Consulting Company drafts authorization letters per legal regulations, clearly defining task scope and execution time. We ensure the legality of representation under the Civil Code 2015.
• Submitting dossiers via three methods: directly at the Department of Industry and Trade, online via the electronic single-window system, or by postal service. Representatives of Long Phan Consulting Company meticulously check dossiers before submission, ensuring complete documentation and quality copies. We receive acknowledgment receipts and track dossier numbers throughout processing.
• Monitoring dossier processing progress within the 15-working-day limit per Article 22, Decree 105/2017/ND-CP. Lawyers maintain regular contact with the officer in charge to update dossier status. We promptly handle requests for dossier supplementation within 03 working days, if any.
• Receiving licensing results and transferring them to the enterprise per the committed timeframe. Our representatives check the Alcohol Wholesale License content against the application for accuracy. We hand over the license with guidance on legal compliance obligations during business operations.

Process for Providing Alcohol Wholesale Licensing Service

To ensure the Alcohol Wholesale License application process is systematic, lawful, and time-saving for enterprises, Long Phan Consulting Company implements its Alcohol Wholesale Licensing Service via a clear 04-stage roadmap, from initial consultation to result receipt and handover. Each step is performed by specialized lawyers and specialists, aiming for a standard-compliant dossier from the first submission, minimizing requests for supplementation or adjustments.

Stage 1: Consultation and Information Reception

This initial stage focuses on gathering detailed information about your enterprise, from organizational type and charter capital to business lines and specific alcohol trading plans. We will analyze the Certificate of Enterprise Registration to ensure conformity with conditions under Article 12, Decree 105/2017/ND-CP. Simultaneously, we will assess the enterprise’s current capacity to meet alcohol wholesale system requirements, advising on available options (e.g., at least 01 retail trader or ability to establish a branch/business location). A detailed execution plan will be formulated, including a timeline, estimated costs, and risks to note.

Stage 2: Professional Dossier Preparation

In this stage, we collect and verify the validity of all original documents from the enterprise, including the Certificate of Enterprise Registration and documents for branches/business locations (if any). We then draft the application for an Alcohol Wholesale License (Form No. 01) with accurate and complete content. The alcohol wholesale system dossier will be prepared according to the form suitable for the enterprise’s conditions (e.g., drafting a principle contract with an alcohol retail trader holding an Alcohol Retail License or preparing copies of Branch/Business Location Registration Certificates). Finally, we will contact and coordinate with alcohol suppliers to complete introduction letters or principle contracts, concurrently collecting copies of their Alcohol Production, Distribution, or Wholesale Licenses.

Stage 3: Dossier Submission and Processing Monitoring

Before submission, we will perform a final check for the completeness and accuracy of the entire dossier. Dossier submission will be executed via your chosen method (directly at the Department of Industry and Trade, online via the public service portal, or by postal service). We then monitor dossier processing progress through the online system and directly contact the officer in charge for status updates. Any requests for dossier supplementation from the Department of Industry and Trade will be handled by us promptly within 03 working days to ensure the licensing process proceeds smoothly and on schedule.

Stage 4: Result Reception and Handover

Upon notification of dossier processing completion, we will receive the Alcohol Wholesale License at the Department of Industry and Trade and meticulously check its content for errors. We will then hand over the Alcohol Wholesale License to you, accompanied by detailed guidance on legal compliance obligations, especially the rights to purchase and sell alcohol from legitimate sources under Article 18, Decree 105/2017/ND-CP. We will also provide original dossiers and related documents, prepare a handover record, and commit to consultation support during the 12-month warranty period for arising issues, while also storing dossier copies to support future renewal, amendment, or supplementation procedures.

Commitment to Service Quality and After-Sales Policy

Long Phan Consulting Company commits to providing high-standard Alcohol Wholesale Licensing Service.

Commitment to Service Quality

Long Phan Consulting Company commits to delivering Alcohol Wholesale Licensing Service of superior quality, professionalism, and maximum efficiency. We understand that obtaining an alcohol business license is a complex procedure, demanding absolute accuracy in every document and profound knowledge of relevant legal regulations. Therefore, we commit to:

• Thorough initial dossier review: Comprehensive assessment of legal entity status, business license, industry codes, charter capital, and distribution system to determine suitability per Articles 12 and 18 of Decree 105/2017/ND-CP.
• Professional dossier drafting per prescribed forms: All documents are prepared directly by experienced lawyers, strictly cross-referenced with current laws and the enterprise’s actual situation.
• Commitment to on-schedule execution: Each dossier has a detailed processing plan with clear control milestones for each stage. We commit to timely dossier submission, handling supplementations (if any) within 03 working days, and completing licensing at the earliest regulated time.
• High successful licensing rate: With over 95% of dossiers approved on the first submission, Long Phan Consulting Company is an experienced unit in handling difficult cases such as newly established enterprises, changes in business lines, or lack of associated retail traders.
• Absolute confidentiality of enterprise information: All client information, documents, and data are kept confidential according to legal professional standards, not shared in any form without the client’s written consent.
• Accountability for service quality: We sign clear service contracts, specifying scope of work, responsibilities, and refund obligations in case of errors attributable to Long Phan Consulting Company. The quality commitment of our Alcohol Wholesale Licensing Service lies not only in the granted license but also in the comprehensive consultation value the enterprise receives throughout the preparation and operation of its business legally and sustainably.

After-Sales Policy and Post-Licensing Support

After completing licensing procedures, Long Phan Consulting Company continues to accompany enterprises through a 12-month service warranty policy from the date of receiving the Alcohol Wholesale License. During this period, we:

• Answer all queries related to the obligations of wholesale traders under Article 18, Decree 105/2017/ND-CP.
• Provide guidance on legal compliance, including regulations on license display, alcohol origin traceability, periodic reporting, and valid record-keeping.
• Assist with procedures for license renewal, amendment, or supplementation if the enterprise changes operational content, business scope, or information.
• Consult on issues arising in business operations, such as handling administrative violations, complaints, disputes with partners, or guiding the development of a suitable distribution system. Through our Alcohol Wholesale Licensing Service combined with a comprehensive after-sales policy, Long Phan Consulting Company aims to be a trusted, long-term partner, accompanying enterprises throughout their development and legal compliance.

Contact Information for Alcohol Wholesale Licensing Service

Clients needing consultation for the Alcohol Wholesale Licensing Service, please contact Long Phan Consulting Company via the following channels:

• Head Office Address: TM7 Commercial Lot, Lavita Garden Apartment, 17 Street No. 3, Truong Tho Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City
• Working Hours: Monday to Saturday – 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• Online Consultation Hotline: 1900.63.63.89
• Email: info@longphanpmt.com
• Zalo: 0906.735.386 – Long Phan
• Facebook: Long Phan Investment Consulting and Legal Services LLC

The official website provides detailed information on the Alcohol Wholesale Licensing Service and legal regulations. Clients can register for online consultation or download necessary forms. We regularly update changes in legal regulations.

Penalties for Non-Compliant Alcohol Wholesale Activities

Decree 98/2020/ND-CP stipulates administrative penalties for violations in alcohol trading. Enterprises violating alcohol wholesale license regulations will face strict penalties. Legal compliance helps enterprises avoid risks and financial losses.

According to Clause 3, Article 6, Decree 98/2020/ND-CP, a fine from 10,000,000 VND to 15,000,000 VND is imposed for violations. This penalty applies to enterprises trading in conditional business lines without a license. Unlicensed alcohol wholesale falls under this penalty.

Violations include: trading without a required license, trading with an expired license, failing to meet business conditions during operation, and using another trader’s license. Besides fines, enterprises may face activity suspension or license revocation. Violations also affect the enterprise’s reputation and long-term business capability.

Frequently Asked Questions about Alcohol Wholesale Licensing Service

Below are frequently asked questions about the Alcohol Wholesale Licensing Service.

What is the validity period of an Alcohol Wholesale License?

According to Article 28 of Decree 105/2017/ND-CP, amended by Clause 20, Article 16 of Decree 17/2020/ND-CP, an Alcohol Wholesale License is valid for 05 years from the date of issuance. To ensure uninterrupted business operations, enterprises must carry out procedures to re-issue the license before the current one expires, following the legally prescribed order.

How are procedures to adjust an Alcohol Wholesale License handled when enterprise information changes?

According to Article 26 of Decree 105/2017/ND-CP, when there are changes to the content recorded on the Alcohol Wholesale License, such as the enterprise’s name or head office address, the enterprise is responsible for preparing a dossier requesting amendment or supplementation of the license and submitting it to the Department of Industry and Trade. This process ensures that the information on the license is always accurate and updated with the enterprise’s actual situation, conforming to administrative management regulations.

Can foreign-invested enterprises apply for an Alcohol Wholesale License?

Foreign-invested enterprises are permitted to apply for an Alcohol Wholesale License when they comply with the conditions stipulated in Article 12 of Decree 105/2017/ND-CP and international treaties to which Vietnam is a member. This includes lawful enterprise establishment in Vietnam and meeting conditions for goods distribution according to committed roadmaps.

What should an enterprise do if its application for an Alcohol Wholesale License is rejected by the authorities?

In case of rejection, the Department of Industry and Trade will issue a written notification clearly stating the reasons for refusal, as per Article 22 of Decree 105/2017/ND-CP. The enterprise should base its actions on these reasons to complete or adjust the dossier or meet the unmet conditions, after which it has the right to re-submit the license application dossier.

Is an Alcohol Wholesale License transferable to another enterprise?

Under current regulations on alcohol business management, an Alcohol Wholesale License is issued to a specific legal entity and is not transferable. Other enterprises wishing to engage in alcohol wholesale must undertake new licensing procedures themselves.

What are the responsibilities of a wholesale trader regarding alcohol origin traceability?

Article 18 of Decree 105/2017/ND-CP stipulates the obligations of alcohol wholesale traders, including ensuring that alcohol has a lawful origin. Therefore, enterprises must establish and maintain a system of records and documents such as contracts, invoices, and papers related to each shipment to prove and trace the origin of alcohol when inspected by competent state authorities.

How should alcohol wholesale traders implement the reporting regime?

Alcohol wholesale traders are obliged to make periodic reports or ad-hoc reports upon request by competent state management agencies (Department of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Industry and Trade) on their alcohol trading situation, following specific guidelines and forms.

What is the average time for Long Phan Consulting Company to assist an enterprise in obtaining an Alcohol Wholesale License?

While the statutory processing time at the Department of Industry and Trade is 15 working days from receipt of a complete and valid dossier (per Article 22, Decree 105/2017/ND-CP), Long Phan Consulting Company, with its experience and professional procedures, will optimize the dossier preparation and submission stages. Typically, the entire service process can range from 15-20 working days after receiving all valid documents from your enterprise, depending on the specifics of each dossier.

What should an enterprise prepare for post-licensing inspections by management agencies?

After licensing, enterprises must maintain full compliance with alcohol trading conditions as stipulated in Article 12 of Decree 105/2017/ND-CP and the obligations of alcohol wholesale traders under Article 18 of the same Decree. This includes storing legal dossiers, documents proving alcohol origin, tax reports, and being ready to cooperate and provide information to management agencies during inspections.

Conclusion

The Alcohol Wholesale Licensing Service requires profound understanding of legal regulations and practical experience. Long Phan Consulting Company is committed to providing comprehensive solutions, helping clients complete licensing procedures quickly and effectively. Our team of experts is ready to assist. For in-depth consultation, please contact our hotline: 1900.63.63.89 to resolve all queries and receive the most professional advice.