Vietnam Authorities Step Up Cosmetic Recalls as Enforcement Tightens

In early 2026, the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) issued several recall decisions affecting hundreds of cosmetic products. The actions signal intensified post-market surveillance and stricter enforcement of cosmetic regulatory compliance in Vietnam.

Recent cases illustrate the scale of enforcement. In one decision, DAV suspended and recalled up to 131 cosmetic products from a local manufacturer due to non-compliance with manufacturing conditions. In another case, authorities ordered a nationwide recall of 77 cosmetic products after companies failed to provide Product Information Files (PIF) during inspection.

More recently, DAV issued a large-scale withdrawal decision covering 291 cosmetic products containing restricted substances such as Cyclotetrasiloxane (D4). The action affected multiple international brands, demonstrating that both multinational and domestic companies are subject to close regulatory scrutiny in Vietnam.

Draft Decree Signals Broader Regulatory Reform

The rise in enforcement activity coincides with broader regulatory reform in Vietnam’s cosmetics sector. The Ministry of Health is developing a draft decree on cosmetic management intended to establish a more comprehensive regulatory framework.

The proposed regulation would consolidate and replace fragmented provisions governing cosmetics. It is designed to cover the entire product lifecycle, from notification and manufacturing conditions to labeling, advertising, post-market surveillance, and recall procedures.

Notably, the draft introduces stricter provisions on product notification, mandatory documentation (including PIF and GMP compliance), and clearer responsibilities for companies in product recall and safety monitoring. It also reinforces the authority’s ability to suspend notifications, reject applications, and enforce recalls in cases of non-compliance.

As the regulatory framework evolves, companies may face more structured oversight and clearer compliance expectations. For international manufacturers, this makes early regulatory preparation and continuous monitoring of regulatory developments increasingly important.

Stricter Documentation and Compliance Requirements

The draft decree introduces stronger compliance expectations for companies responsible for cosmetic products in Vietnam.

Key mechanisms under discussion include:

• Stricter product notification requirements
• Mandatory documentation, including Product Information Files and proof of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance
• Clearer responsibilities for companies to conduct safety monitoring and initiate recalls when necessary

The proposal would also strengthen regulatory enforcement powers. Authorities would be able to suspend product notifications, reject applications, and order recalls when products fail to meet safety or regulatory standards.

For overseas manufacturers unfamiliar with Vietnam’s regulatory procedures, preparing compliant product dossiers and ensuring documentation meets DAV expectations can be complex. Many companies therefore seek support from local regulatory specialists, like Cisema, who can review dossiers, verify ingredient compliance, and support product notification submissions before products enter the market.

Compliance Actions Companies Should Take Now

Given the current enforcement environment, cosmetic companies should review their compliance status and address potential regulatory risks in Vietnam.

Review Product Dossiers Thoroughly

Ensure that registered information is accurate, consistent, and aligned with the products placed on the market. Periodic dossier audits can identify inconsistencies before they lead to inspections or recall actions.

Verify Labeling Compliance

Confirm that product labels comply with the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) as well as Vietnam’s national requirements. Label reviews are particularly important for imported products, where translation or formatting errors are common.

Strengthen Quality Control and Testing

Conduct regular testing for microbiological contamination, heavy metals, and potential impurities. Independent laboratory verification can help demonstrate product safety during inspections and support ongoing compliance.

Audit Ingredient Compliance

Verify formulations against updated prohibited and restricted ingredient lists—particularly substances such as siloxanes including D4. Screening ingredients against ASEAN and national restrictions is increasingly important as enforcement intensifies.

Maintain Complete Product Information Files

Ensure PIF documentation is complete, current, and immediately available during regulatory inspections. Responsible persons in Vietnam should be able to provide documentation without delay when requested by DAV.

Enhance Regulatory Intelligence

Monitor DAV announcements and regulatory developments to identify emerging compliance risks early. Continuous regulatory monitoring allows companies to adapt quickly to ingredient restrictions, recall notices, or policy changes.

Companies Must Shift Toward Proactive Compliance

Vietnam’s recent recall actions indicate that cosmetic enforcement is becoming more systematic and stringent. Product recalls increasingly form part of broader efforts to strengthen market oversight rather than isolated enforcement incidents.

For international cosmetic manufacturers and importers, this environment requires a shift from reactive compliance to proactive risk management. Companies that maintain accurate documentation, monitor ingredient compliance, and track regulatory updates are better positioned to avoid market disruptions and protect brand reputation.

As a result, companies entering the Vietnamese market must prioritize early regulatory preparation — including dossier reviews, PIF verification, labeling checks, and ingredient compliance screening — before submitting product notifications.

In this environment, experienced regulatory support can play a critical role. Cisema supports international cosmetic brands with Vietnam market entry, product notification, regulatory dossier review, labeling compliance assessments, and regulatory intelligence monitoring. These services help companies reduce regulatory risk and maintain long-term compliance as cosmetic regulations across Asia continue to evolve.

For guidance on cosmetic compliance and market entry in Vietnam, contact Cisema today.

Further Information

• Discover how Cisema supports cosmetic market entry in Vietnam through regulatory consulting, product notification, and compliance services in Cosmetic Regulations in Vietnam.
• Use Cisema’s practical guide to prepare your cosmetic notification with the Vietnam Cosmetic Registration & Notification Guide: Process, Fees, & Timelines, explaining documentation requirements, regulatory steps, and expected timelines.
• Stay ahead of enforcement risks with Cisema’s regulatory insights in Vietnam Strengthens Enforcement of Cosmetic Notification and PIF Compliance, outlining recent regulatory actions and how companies can maintain compliance.

References

• Decision on revoking cosmetic product notification numbers and ordering suspension and recall of cosmetic products
• Official notice on suspension, recall, and destruction of non-compliant cosmetic products
• Draft Decree on Cosmetic Management (02 February 2026)