The draft amendment and supplement to a number of articles of the Law on Children, the Law on People with Disabilities, the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment, the Law on Pharmacy, the Law on the Elderly and the Law on Health Insurance proposes to supplement cases of banning the business of drugs and drug ingredients through e-commerce, including livestream sales.
Proposal to ban livestream sales of drugs
According to Clause 2, Article 4 of the draft, the Ministry of Health proposes to amend Clause 19, Article 6 of the Law on Pharmacy regarding prohibited acts.
Accordingly, it is prohibited to trade in drugs and drug ingredients through e-commerce in the following cases: not being carried out on e-commerce platforms doing business directly or through intermediaries; selling goods via livestream; using means that do not ensure the electronic identification of the seller and trace transactions.
If approved, this regulation will further clarify the forms of online drug business that are prohibited, especially livestreaming drug sales and transactions through means that do not meet identification and traceability requirements.
Many types of drugs have been banned from online sales
According to current regulations, the business of drugs and drug ingredients through e-commerce is prohibited if it is carried out on means other than e-commerce platforms, sales applications or websites with online ordering functions.
The Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Pharmacy No. 44/2024/QH15, effective from July 1, 2025, stipulates the prohibition of retail sales of prescription drugs, specially controlled drugs and drugs on the list of restricted retail sales through e-commerce, except for serving medical isolation when there is an infectious disease group A. Online wholesale of specially controlled drugs is also prohibited.
Establishments are only allowed to trade drugs at licensed locations and must fully meet the conditions as prescribed. Taking advantage of social networks or unauthorized platforms to sell drugs may be handled.
Increase inspection of online drug sales activities
The Drug Administration of Vietnam (Ministry of Health) has requested drug trading units through e-commerce to strengthen control and prevent violations.
Localities are required to strengthen inspection and handling of establishments selling drugs in the wrong locations, in violation of regulations or taking advantage of social networks for illegal business.
The health sector recommends that people not buy drugs of unknown origin online; should buy drugs at licensed establishments to ensure safety.
Tightening the management of online drug business aims to limit fake drugs, poor quality drugs and illegal drug trading activities, contributing to protecting people's health.
