More than 200,000 products are announced
Currently, the Vietnamese cosmetics market is witnessing a rapid increase in both the quantity of products and the facilities participating in production and business.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, the whole country has about 200,000 cosmetic products (including imported and domestically produced cosmetics) that have received cosmetic product declaration forms from about 2,500 establishments.
Of which, the Ministry of Health (Department of Drug Administration) received publications for about 150,000 imported cosmetic products, while local Departments of Health received publications for about 50,000 domestically produced cosmetic products.
The reception of cosmetic product announcements is carried out in accordance with the ASEAN Cosmetic Agreement - of which Vietnam is a member - and Circular No. 06/2011/TT-BYT of the Ministry of Health on cosmetic management. According to regulations, enterprises announcing imported cosmetics only need to submit documents online including: Cosmetic product declaration form (information about product name, manufacturer, importing unit, ingredients, uses...); Authorization letter of the manufacturer or owner; and Certificate of Free Circulation (CFS).
It is worth noting that the management agency does not grant a license in advance but receives the announcement. Organizations and individuals whose names are announced must take full responsibility for the safety, quality, and efficiency of the product when launched on the market and throughout the circulation process.
The sample rate is not less than 2%
Dr. Ta Manh Hung, Deputy Director of the Department of Drug Administration (Ministry of Health) said that every year, management agencies at the central and local levels conduct inspections, checks, and post-inspections of cosmetics according to the principle of risk management. Data shows that from 2020 to 2024, each year, 2,400 - 3,400 cosmetic samples are taken for quality testing. The rate of failed samples ranges from 1.5 - 2.13%.
In 2024, 3,469 samples were taken, of which 52 samples did not meet the requirements, accounting for 1.50%. Although the rate is not high, with a large market size, the number of violating products still causes many concerns for consumers.
Increased suspension, product recall
Data on suspension of circulation and recall of cosmetics shows a strong increase in recent years. In 2024, up to 305 products were suspended from circulation, more than 3 times higher than in 2023. By the end of November 2025, this figure was 199 products.
Notably, the number of announced ballots revoked at the Department of Drug Administration and the Departments of Health increased rapidly. In 2024 alone, the Departments of Health recalled 3,788 published forms, and by 2025 (as of the end of November 2025), this figure had increased to 7,946 forms. In addition, the number of voluntary reclaims by enterprises has also increased sharply, partly reflecting the pressure to tighten management and compliance with the law.
The Department of Drug Administration said that each year this unit conducts post-inspections of 2030 facilities, while the Departments of Health inspect about 300 facilities nationwide. In 2024 alone, the Department inspected 23 facilities, directly fined 2 facilities with the amount of 255 million VND, and transferred 4 more facilities to the Ministry of Health Inspectorate for a total fine of 350 million VND.
By the end of November 2025, the Drug Administration has inspected 35 facilities and fined 11 facilities with a total amount of up to VND 1.058 billion.
Recently, the Department of Drug Administration has issued and advised the Ministry of Health to issue many documents directing the People's Committees of provinces and cities; Departments of Health; testing centers and institutes; as well as cosmetic production and import facilities, requesting to strengthen post-inspection, sample collection for testing, and strictly handle violations.
In the context of a rapid, diverse and risky cosmetic market, tightening post-inspections, raising corporate responsibility and information transparency is considered a key solution to protect the rights and health of consumers, while restoring order in cosmetic production and trading activities.
