VCCI proposes abolishing the import declaration procedure for printing equipment. Illustrative image.

Proposal to Completely Abolish Import Declaration Procedures for Printing Equipment

Under current regulations stipulated in Decrees No. 60/2014/ND-CP, 25/2018/ND-CP, and 72/2022/ND-CP, enterprises importing printing equipment are required to submit a declaration dossier, including forms and technical documents. Within three working days of receiving a complete application, the competent authority issues a confirmation of the import declaration.

According to VCCI, although the mechanism has shifted from licensing to declaration, the nature of the procedure still resembles a “sub-license,” as enterprises must obtain confirmation before being allowed to import the equipment.

VCCI argued that the management objective identifying the type of imported printing equipment can be achieved through customs data when enterprises carry out import procedures. In the context of ongoing administrative reform and data-sharing among state agencies, maintaining this procedure is no longer appropriate.

VCCI therefore proposed adding a measure to fully abolish the import declaration requirement for printing equipment.

Removing Printing Services from the List of Conditional Business Sectors

For printing service businesses (excluding packaging printing), VCCI also suggested considering removing this sector from the list of conditional business lines.

According to VCCI’s analysis, printing is currently a supporting industry for various sectors such as construction materials, textiles, packaging, and labeling. Meanwhile, risks related to publication content are already regulated under publishing laws and other relevant specialized regulations.

VCCI emphasized that printing establishments are not responsible for the content of printed materials. In cases involving sensitive content, clients are already required to present relevant licenses, such as press operation licenses, publication permits, or approvals from competent authorities.

“The control of impacts on public interests, national security, or social order related to printing activities has already been ensured through existing legal frameworks,” VCCI stated.

Removing Conditions in Cultural Heritage Preservation and Domestic Travel Services

In the field of heritage preservation, VCCI proposed removing the requirement for individuals to obtain a practicing certificate for monument restoration.

Under current regulations, individuals must hold a construction practice certificate and complete a training program on monument restoration to qualify. VCCI argued that requiring an additional separate certificate creates unnecessary administrative burdens.

Accordingly, individuals should only need a construction practice certificate along with proof of completing the relevant training program.

Another notable proposal concerns deposit requirements for domestic travel service providers.

Currently, under the Law on Tourism and Decree No. 168/2017/ND-CP, domestic tour operators must deposit VND 500 million at a credit institution. This amount remains frozen throughout operations and is used to handle risks for tourists if the enterprise lacks financial capacity.

VCCI argued that this requirement wastes resources and creates significant financial pressure, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to enter the market.

Meanwhile, existing regulations already require travel companies to purchase insurance for tourists during tours. According to VCCI, this is a more appropriate tool for protecting customer rights.

Therefore, VCCI proposed abolishing the deposit requirement for domestic travel businesses or replacing it with bank guarantees issued by credit institutions.

According to Notice No. 216/TB-VPCP dated April 26, 2026, conveying conclusions of Prime Minister Le Minh Hung at a meeting with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the ministry is required to complete key tasks within April 2026.

These include urgently finalizing and submitting to the Government a Resolution on cutting and simplifying administrative procedures and business conditions under its management by April 27, 2026, as well as completing proposals to reduce conditional business sectors and submitting them to the Ministry of Finance for consolidation and further submission to the Government.

The ministry is also tasked with finalizing and submitting several legal documents, including three decrees guiding the implementation of the Press Law and an amended decree on the management of external information activities.