Vietnam is the Asian country whose trade with France is growing fastest, driven by the free trade agreement with the European Union.
Trade with France
In 2024, €8.5 billion in goods were traded (+11.5% in one year); French sales to Vietnam grew by 26%. The EU–Vietnam free trade agreement has been in force since 1 August 2020. Source: French Treasury.
Checking a Vietnamese company before you pay
The National Business Registration Portal (dangkykinhdoanh.gov.vn) shows the name, enterprise number and status of a company.
Step by step
- Ask for the enterprise code (10 digits) and the official name in Vietnamese.
- Search for it on the national portal.
- Compare the name, address and legal representative.
- Pay only into an account in the name of the registered company.
Compare the legal representative shown in the register with the person negotiating with you. If it is not the same person, ask in writing what their role in the company is before any payment.
Good to know: paying a Vietnamese company
Since 18 October 2023, the European Union has included Vietnam on its list of “high-risk third countries”. This list covers countries whose system for fighting money laundering and terrorist financing has “strategic deficiencies”, that is, significant weaknesses. It concerns the country, not any particular company, and it is not a ban on trade.
However, European banks must carry out enhanced checks on payments involving these countries. Your bank may therefore:
- ask you more questions: about your company, the reason for the payment and where the money comes from;
- in some cases, limit these payments: the European rules also provide for this.
Our advice: before a first payment, ask your bank what it will want to see. Keep the contract and the invoice at hand, and allow some extra time in your schedule.
For information only, up to date on 2 November 2026: this information does not engage the liability of Passerelle France-Asie and does not replace your bank’s advice; only the official texts are authoritative. Sources: European Commission, list of high-risk third countries; Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2070 (addition of Viet Nam); Directive (EU) 2018/843, Article 18a (enhanced checks).
Doing business with a Vietnamese company: our advice
- Thanks to the EU–Vietnam agreement, many customs duties have fallen or disappeared, provided the origin of the product is proven: read our guide.
- Have the contract written in Vietnamese and in English or French.
- Start with samples or a small order before a large volume.
- Plan for Tết closures (Vietnamese New Year) in your delivery times.
Trade fairs in Vietnam
Our useful guides
What changes in 2026 for your trade
- Carbon border tax (CBAM): since 1 January 2026, steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, hydrogen and electricity imported into the European Union pay a carbon price (above 50 tonnes a year). Vietnam is one of the main countries of origin of the imports concerned: steel and aluminium manufacturers are already being asked by their European customers. Our CBAM guide.
- Deforestation-free products (EUDR): wood, coffee, cocoa, natural rubber, soya, palm oil and cattle will have to prove their origin from 30 December 2026 (30 June 2027 for small businesses). Vietnam is classified as low risk by the European Commission: simplified procedures, but geolocation of the plots remains compulsory. Our EUDR guide.
- Small parcels: since 1 July 2026, a customs duty of €3 per product category on parcels worth €150 or less, then €2 in handling fees from 1 November 2026. Our guide.
- Electronic invoicing in France: since 1 September 2026, businesses established in France receive their invoices electronically. A Vietnamese company with no establishment in France does not have to issue these invoices; it only sends certain data to the French tax administration ("e-reporting") if it owes French VAT itself. Our fact sheet.
For information only, up to date on 1 November 2026; sources: European Commission, EUR-Lex, impots.gouv.fr. Only the authorities are authoritative.
Business etiquette
- People are called by their given name, which is the LAST word of their name: Mr Nguyễn Văn Minh is "Anh Minh" or "Mr Minh", not "Mr Nguyễn".
- Business cards are given and received with both hands.
- Age and rank matter: greet the oldest or most senior person first.
- Trust is built: a visit, a meal or regular exchanges on Zalo often come before the first order.
- The contract: Vietnam applies the Vienna Convention with one condition: the contract, the offer, the acceptance, any change and the end of the contract must be in writing. An oral agreement is not enough. Our guide.
General advice: every person and every company is different.
Culture and daily life
📅 Next festival in Vietnam: Ông Công Ông Táo (Kitchen Gods' Day), on Saturday 30 January 2027 — in 87 days. See the full calendar.
Useful organisations
- French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam
- Business France (offices in Vietnam)
- EuroCham Vietnam: the European chamber of commerce in Vietnam.
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🏮 See also: Tết and the Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu): the great festivals of Asia and your business.