Decree No. 119/2021/NĐ-CP on the procedures and formalities for issuing, reissuing, and revoking permits for cross-border road transport

Decree

Regulations on the procedures for issuing, reissuing, and revoking cross-border road transport permits

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Pursuant to the Law on Organization of the Government dated June 19, 2015; the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Organization of the Government and the Law on Organization of Local Administration dated November 22, 2019;

On the basis of Decree No. 86/2012/NĐ-CP dated October 19, 2012, issued by the Government detailing and guiding implementation of certain provisions of the Metrology Law;

To implement the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Goods in Transit signed on December 16, 1998;

To implement the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Facilitation of International Land Transport signed on December 10, 2009;

To implement the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-Border Road Passenger Transport signed on October 13, 2017;

To implement the Agreement on Facilitating the Transport of Goods and People Across Borders in the Greater Mekong Subregion signed on November 26, 1999, amended on April 30, 2004, and its Annexes and Implementing Protocol;

To implement the Agreement on Road Transport between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Government of the People's Republic of China signed on November 22, 1994, and the Amending Protocol and Implementing Protocol;

To implement the Agreement on Facilitating the Movement of Motor Vehicles Across Borders between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic signed on April 23, 2009, and the Implementing Protocol;

To implement the Agreement on Road Transport between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Royal Government of Cambodia signed on June 1, 1999, and the Amending Protocol and Implementing Protocol;

To implement the Memorandum of Understanding among the Governments of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on Road Transport signed on January 17 January 2013;

At the proposal of the Minister of Transport;

The Government promulgates this Decree to stipulate the procedures for issuing, reissuing, and revoking international road transport permits and through-transport permits for transport business units and vehicles; extending the period of circulation in Vietnam for foreign vehicles participating in the transportation of people and goods between Vietnam and other countries as provided for in international treaties on cross-border road transport to which Vietnam is a party.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Decree stipulates the procedures for issuing, reissuing, and revoking international road transport permits, through-transport permits for transport business units and vehicles; extending the period of circulation in Vietnam for foreign vehicles participating in the transportation of people and goods between Vietnam and other countries as provided for in international treaties on cross-border road transport to which Vietnam is a party.

Article 2. Applicability

This Decree applies to agencies, organizations, and individuals involved in cross-border road transport activities between Vietnam and other countries as provided for in international treaties to which Vietnam is a party.

This Decree does not apply to entities exempted from permits as provided for in international treaties on cross-border road transport to which Vietnam is a party.

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

In this Decree, the following terms are understood as follows:

1. Transport business units include: enterprises and cooperatives engaged in cargo and passenger transport by motor vehicles.

2. Vehicles include: passenger motor vehicles; cargo motor vehicles; tractor units; semi-trailers and full trailers pulled by motor vehicles; specialized machinery.

3. International road transport is the activity of transporting people and goods by road between a point within the territory of Vietnam and a point outside the territory of Vietnam.

4. Commercial vehicles are vehicles used for the commercial transport of goods and passengers.

5. Non-commercial vehicles are vehicles of organizations and individuals used for non-commercial purposes. Non-commercial vehicles do not apply to passenger motor vehicles of transport business units with more than nine seats.

6. Force majeure refers to a situation that occurs objectively, cannot be foreseen, and cannot be overcome despite the application of all necessary measures and capabilities.

Article 4. Scope of Operation of Vehicles

1. Vehicles granted international transit permits operate on routes and border gates listed in the permit. For international road transport between Vietnam and China, vehicles operate on routes and border gates listed in the International Road Transport Permit between Vietnam and China.

2. Vehicles are not permitted to transport goods or passengers between two points within the territory of another member country; they are not permitted to transport goods between points within the territory of the transit country.

Article 5. General Provisions on International Road Transport Permits and Transit Permits

1. The international road transport permit is issued by the competent authority to transportation business units for conducting international road transport activities. For international road transport between Vietnam and China, the international road transport permit is issued to official vehicles and transport vehicles for conducting cross-border road transport between Vietnam and China.

2. The transit permit is issued by the competent authority to vehicles for conducting international road transport activities.

a) The transit permit issued to commercial vehicles allows multiple entries and exits, each not exceeding 30 days, with a validity period of one year from the date of issuance. The transit permit between Vietnam and Laos issued to vehicles belonging to businesses serving projects implemented in Lao territory has a validity period of one year without time restrictions for each entry and exit, but not exceeding the project completion date, or the business operation term in Lao territory.

b) The transit permit issued to non-commercial vehicles (excluding fire trucks, ambulances, rescue vehicles, humanitarian aid vehicles) allows a single entry and exit with a validity period not exceeding 30 days from the date of issuance.

3. The validity period of the transit permit issued to vehicles shall not exceed the service life of the vehicle.

Chapter II

PROCEDURES FOR ISSUING, RENEWING, AND REVOKING INTERNATIONAL ROAD TRANSPORT PERMITS AND ASEAN TRANSIT PERMITS

Article 6. Issuance and Renewal of ASEAN International Road Transport Permits ASEAN

1. Objectives:

The ASEAN international road transport permit is issued to Vietnamese transportation business units for conducting ASEAN international road transport activities.

2. Application Documents: An application for issuing or renewing the ASEAN International Road Transport Permit according to Form No. 01 in Appendix I of this Decree.

3. Competent Authority: The General Department of Transportation of Vietnam.

4. Procedures:

a) The transportation business unit submits one set of application documents for issuing or renewing the ASEAN International Road Transport Permit to the competent authority issuing the permit through one of the following methods: directly, online, or by postal service;

b) The competent authority receiving the permit application accepts and reviews the documents. In cases where the application is submitted directly at the competent authority issuing the permit or via postal service, the staff receiving the application updates the information of the applications in accordance with regulations into the online public service system of the competent authority issuing the permit. If the application requires amendments or supplements, the competent authority issuing the permit will notify the transportation business unit directly, in writing, or through the online public service system within one working day from the date of receipt of the application;

c) Within two working days from the date of receipt of complete and valid application documents, the competent authority issuing the permit issues the ASEAN International Road Transport Permit according to Form No. 02 in Appendix I of this Decree. If the permit is not issued, the competent authority issuing the permit will notify in writing or through the online public service system and specify the reasons;

d) The result is delivered at the office of the competent authority issuing the permit or via postal service or online method as prescribed.

5. In case the ASEAN International Road Transport Permit is damaged or lost, the transportation business unit prepares an application for reissuing the permit in accordance with Clause 2 and Clause 4 of this Article.

Article 7. Revocation of International Road Transport Permit ASEAN

1. The competent authority issuing the permit shall revoke the ASEAN International Road Transport Permit when the transport business unit violates any of the following cases:

a) Operating a type of transport not in accordance with the ASEAN International Road Transport Permit;

b) The automobile transport business permit being revoked by the competent authority;

c) The state management agency at the border gate proposing revocation due to violations related to cross-border activities, import-export activities at the border gate, and regulations on managing activities in the border area;

d) Ceasing operations in accordance with the provisions of the law.

2. Procedures and formalities:

a) The issuing authority issues a decision to revoke the ASEAN International Road Transport Permit and sends it to the transport business unit, state management agencies at the border gate, and relevant agencies; publishes information on the website of the competent authority issuing the permit, and simultaneously notifies in writing to the ASEAN member countries for coordination in handling;

b) After the revocation decision takes effect, the transport business unit must stop all cross-border ASEAN transport activities and within 15 working days must submit the ASEAN International Road Transport Permit and all ASEAN Combined Transport Permits to the issuing authority.

Article 8. Issuance and Reissuance of Combined Transport Permit ASEAN

1. Objectives:

The ASEAN Combined Transport Permit is issued to vehicles legally owned by transport business units that have been granted the ASEAN International Road Transport Permit.

2. Contents of the application documents:

a) A request for issuance or reissuance of the ASEAN Combined Transport Permit according to Form No. 03 in Appendix I of this Decree;

b) A copy of the Vehicle Registration Certificate or a copy of the receipt for the Vehicle Registration Certificate from the registration authority or a copy from the original Vehicle Registration Certificate. In case the vehicle does not belong to the transport business unit, additional presentation of a copy of one of the following documents is required: a written lease agreement with an organization or individual, a service contract between members and cooperatives, or a joint venture business contract.

3. Competent Authority: The General Department of Transportation of Vietnam.

4. Procedures:

a) The transport business unit submits one set of application documents for issuance or reissuance of the ASEAN Combined Transport Permit to the competent authority issuing the permit through one of the following methods: direct submission, online submission, or postal submission;

b) The competent authority receiving the permit application accepts and reviews the documents. In cases where the application is submitted directly at the competent authority issuing the permit or via postal service, the staff receiving the application updates the information of the applications in accordance with regulations into the online public service system of the competent authority issuing the permit. If the application requires amendments or supplements, the competent authority issuing the permit will notify the transportation business unit directly, in writing, or through the online public service system within one working day from the date of receipt of the application;

c) Within two working days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents as prescribed, the competent authority issuing the permit will issue the ASEAN Combined Transport Permit according to Form No. 04 in Appendix I of this Decree. If issuance is denied, the competent authority issuing the permit will notify in writing or through the online public service system and specify the reasons;

d) The result is delivered at the office of the competent authority issuing the permit or via postal service or online method as prescribed.

5. In case the ASEAN Combined Transport Permit is damaged or lost, the transport business unit shall prepare an application for reissuance of the permit in accordance with Clause 2 and Clause 4 of this Article.

Article 9. Revocation of Combined Transport Permit ASEAN

1. The competent authority issuing the permit shall revoke the ASEAN Combined Transport Permit when violating any of the following cases:

a) Not complying with the contents recorded in the combined transport permit when conducting ASEAN Combined Transport activities;

b) Not conducting ASEAN Combined Transport activities within three months from the date of issuance of the combined transport permit;

c) Not conducting ASEAN Combined Transport activities for three trips or more within six consecutive months (a trip counts both the outbound and return journeys);

d) The automobile transport business permit or the ASEAN International Road Transport Permit being revoked by the competent authority;

đ) The vehicle exceeding the time limit for re-entry into Vietnam as prescribed, except in cases of natural disasters, accidents, or force majeure;

2. Procedures and formalities:

a) The issuing authority issues a decision to revoke the ASEAN Combined Transport Permit and sends it to the transport business unit, state management agencies at the border gate, and relevant agencies; publishes information on the website of the competent authority issuing the permit, and simultaneously notifies in writing to the ASEAN member countries for coordination in handling;

b) After the revocation decision takes effect, the transport business unit must stop all cross-border ASEAN transport activities for the vehicle whose permit has been revoked and within 15 working days must submit the ASEAN Combined Transport Permit of that vehicle to the competent authority issuing the permit.

Article 10. Extension of Circulation Period in Vietnam for Vehicles of Countries Implementing Framework Agreements on Road Transport Across Borders ASEAN concerning cross-border road transport

1. Subject: Vehicles of countries implementing ASEAN Framework Agreements on road transport across borders that exceed the circulation period in Vietnam specified in the ASEAN Combined Transport Permit due to force majeure.

2. Authority to Extend: Provincial Department of Transportation and Construction where the vehicles encounter force majeure incidents.

3. Documents Required:

a) Application for Extension according to Form No. 05 in Appendix I of this Decree;

b) Original ASEAN Combined Transport Permit.

4. Procedures:

a) Organizations and individuals submit one set of documents directly to the competent authority where the force majeure incident occurred;

b) Within two working days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents as prescribed, the competent authority shall extend the circulation period for vehicles of countries implementing ASEAN Framework Agreements on road transport across borders. In case of non-extension, the competent authority shall respond in writing stating the reasons.

Chapter III

PROCEDURES FOR ISSUANCE, RENEWAL, AND REVOCATION OF INTERNATIONAL ROAD TRANSPORT PERMITS AND ASEAN COMBINED TRANSPORT PERMITS

Article 11. Issuance and Renewal of GMS International Road Transport Permits

1. Object: The GMS International Road Transport Permit is issued to domestic transportation businesses in Vietnam for conducting international road transport activities under the GMS Agreement.

2. Documents Required: Application for issuance or renewal of the GMS International Road Transport Permit according to Form No. 01 in Appendix II of this Decree.

3. Competent Authority: The General Department of Transportation of Vietnam.

4. Procedures:

a) Transportation business units submit one set of application documents for issuance or renewal of the GMS International Road Transport Permit to the competent authority issuing the permit through one of the following methods: direct submission, online submission, or postal service;

b) The competent authority receiving the permit application will accept and review the documents. If the application is submitted directly at the competent authority issuing the permit or via postal service, the staff will update the information of the applications into the online public service system of the competent authority. If the documents require amendments or supplements, the competent authority issuing the permit will notify the transportation business unit directly, in writing, or through the online public service system within one working day from the date of receipt of the documents;

c) Within two working days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents as prescribed, the competent authority issuing the permit will issue the GMS International Road Transport Permit according to Form No. 02 in Appendix II of this Decree. In case of non-issuance, the competent authority issuing the permit will notify in writing or through the online public service system and state the reasons;

d) The result is delivered at the office of the competent authority issuing the permit or via postal service or online method as prescribed.

5. In case the GMS International Road Transport Permit is damaged or lost, the transportation business unit must prepare an application for reissue of the GMS International Road Transport Permit in accordance with Clause 2 and Clause 4 of this Article.

Article 12. Revocation of GMS International Road Transport Permits

1. The competent authority issuing the permit will revoke the permit when the transportation business unit violates any of the following cases:

a) Conducting transportation services not in accordance with the GMS International Road Transport Permit;

b) The automobile transport business permit being revoked by the competent authority;

c) The state management agency at the border gate proposing revocation due to violations related to cross-border activities, import-export activities at the border gate, and regulations on managing activities in the border area;

d) Ceasing operations in accordance with the provisions of the law.

2. Procedures and formalities:

a) The issuing authority issues a decision to revoke the GMS International Road Transport Permit and sends it to the transportation business unit, border management agencies, and related agencies; publishes the information on the electronic website of the issuing authority and simultaneously notifies in writing to GMS member countries for coordinated handling;

b) After the revocation decision takes effect, the transportation business unit must cease all cross-border GMS transport activities and within fifteen working days must submit the following documents to the issuing authority: the GMS International Road Transport Permit and all issued GMS Combined Transport Permits or Temporary Import Vehicle Logbooks (hereinafter referred to as TAD logbook).

Article 13. Issuance, Reissuance of GMS Combined Transport Permit or TAD Book

1. Object: The GMS Combined Transport Permit or TAD Book shall be issued to transport means legally owned by business units that have been granted the GMS International Road Transport Permit.

2. Contents of the application documents:

a) A request for issuance or reissuance of the GMS Combined Transport Permit or TAD Book according to Model No. 03 in Appendix II of this Decree;

b) A copy of the Vehicle Registration Certificate or a copy of the receipt for the Vehicle Registration Certificate from the registration authority or a copy from the original Vehicle Registration Certificate. In case the vehicle does not belong to the transport business unit, additional presentation of a copy of one of the following documents is required: a written lease agreement with an organization or individual, a service contract between members and cooperatives, or a joint venture business contract.

3. Competent Authority: The General Department of Transportation of Vietnam.

4. Procedures:

a) The transport business unit submits one set of application documents for the issuance of the GMS Combined Transport Permit or TAD Book to the competent authority issuing the permit through one of the following methods: directly, online, or via postal service;

b) The competent authority receiving the permit application accepts and reviews the documents. In cases where the application is submitted directly at the competent authority issuing the permit or via postal service, the staff receiving the application updates the information of the applications in accordance with regulations into the online public service system of the competent authority issuing the permit. If the application requires amendments or supplements, the competent authority issuing the permit will notify the transportation business unit directly, in writing, or through the online public service system within one working day from the date of receipt of the application;

c) Within two working days from the date of receiving complete and valid application documents as prescribed, the competent authority issuing the permit shall issue the GMS Combined Transport Permit according to Model No. 04 in Appendix II or the TAD Book according to Model No. 05 in Appendix II of this Decree. In case of non-issuance, the competent authority issuing the permit shall notify in writing or through the online public service system and specify the reasons;

d) The result is delivered at the office of the competent authority issuing the permit or via postal service or online method as prescribed.

5. In case the GMS Combined Transport Permit or TAD Book is damaged or lost, the transport business unit shall prepare an application for reissuance of the permit or TAD Book in accordance with Clause 2 and Clause 4 of this Article.

Article 14. Revocation of GMS Combined Transport Permit or TAD Book

1. The issuing authority shall revoke the GMS Combined Transport Permit or TAD Book when there is a violation of any of the following cases:

a) Not complying with the contents recorded in the combined transport permit or TAD book during the implementation of GMS combined transport activities;

b) Not implementing GMS combined transport activities within three months from the date of issuance of the combined transport permit or TAD book;

c) Not implementing GMS combined transport activities for three trips or more within six consecutive months (a trip counts both the outbound and return journeys);

d) The business operation permit for road transport vehicles or the GMS International Road Transport Permit has been revoked by the competent authority;

đ) The vehicle exceeding the time limit for re-entry into Vietnam as prescribed, except in cases of natural disasters, accidents, or force majeure;

2. Procedures and formalities:

a) The issuing authority issues a decision to revoke the GMS Combined Transport Permit or TAD Book and sends it to the transport business unit, state management agencies at border gates, and related agencies; publishes information on the website of the issuing authority and simultaneously notifies in writing to the member countries of GMS for coordinated handling;

b) After the revocation decision takes effect, the transport business unit must stop cross-border transport activities for the means of transport whose permit has been revoked and within fifteen working days must submit the GMS Combined Transport Permit or TAD Book of such means of transport to the competent authority issuing the permit.

Article 15. Extension of Stay Period in Vietnam for Vehicles of Countries Implementing the GMS Agreement

1. Object: Vehicles of countries implementing the GMS Agreement exceeding the stay period in Vietnam specified in the GMS Combined Transport Permit or TAD Book due to force majeure circumstances.

2. Authority to Extend: Provincial Department of Transportation and Construction where the vehicles encounter force majeure incidents.

3. Documents Required:

a) An extension request according to Model No. 06 in Appendix II of this Decree;

b) The GMS Combined Transport Permit or TAD Book (original).

4. Procedures:

a) Organizations and individuals submit one set of documents directly to the competent authority where the force majeure incident occurred;

b) Within two working days from the date of receiving complete and valid application documents as prescribed, the competent authority shall extend the stay period for vehicles of countries implementing the GMS Agreement. In case of non-extension, the competent authority shall reply in writing specifying the reasons.

Chapter IV

PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR ISSUANCE, REISSUANCE, AND REVOCATION OF INTERNATIONAL ROAD TRANSPORT PERMITS BETWEEN VIETNAM AND CHINA

Article 16. International Road Transport Permit between Vietnam and China

The international road transport permit between Vietnam and China is the permit defined in the Protocol between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Government of the People's Republic of China on the implementation of the Agreement on Road Transport between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Government of the People's Republic of China signed on October 11, 2011, including:

1. Type A Transport Permit: Issued to regular passenger transport vehicles (including tourist passengers) with multiple往返多次有效的有效期为一年的多次往返的国际道路运输车辆许可证，适用于两国边境地区的运输线路。

2. Type B Transport Permit: Issued to non-regular passenger transport vehicles (including tourist passengers) with a single round-trip validity within a year, applicable to transport vehicles on routes between border areas of the two countries and official vehicles.

3. Type C Transport Permit: Issued to cargo transport vehicles with a single round-trip validity within a year, applicable to transport vehicles on routes between border areas of the two countries.

4. Type D Transport Permit: Issued to dangerous goods and oversized cargo transport vehicles with a single round-trip validity within a year.

5. Type E Transport Permit: Issued to regular passenger transport vehicles (including tourist passengers) with multiple往返多次有效的有效期为一年的多次往返的国际道路运输车辆许可证，适用于深入两国领土内部的运输线路。

6. Type F Transport Permit: Issued to non-regular passenger transport vehicles (including tourist passengers) with a single round-trip validity within a year, applicable to transport vehicles on routes deep into the territories of the two countries and official vehicles.

7. Type G Transport Permit: Issued to cargo transport vehicles with a single round-trip validity within a year, applicable to transport vehicles on routes deep into the territories of the two countries.

Article 17. Issuance and Reissuance of International Road Transport Permits between Vietnam and China Types A, B, C, E, F, G for Vietnamese Vehicles

1. Recipients: Type A, B, C, E, F, G transport permits are issued to commercial vehicles and official vehicles of Vietnamese business units.

2. Application Documents for Issuance and Reissuance of Transport Permits for Commercial Vehicles Include:

a) Application for issuance and reissuance of the permit according to Model No. 01 in Appendix III of this Decree;

b) A copy of the Vehicle Registration Certificate or a copy of the receipt for the Vehicle Registration Certificate from the registration authority or a copy from the original Vehicle Registration Certificate. In case the vehicle does not belong to the transport business unit, additional presentation of a copy of one of the following documents is required: a written lease agreement with an organization or individual, a service contract between members and cooperatives, or a joint venture business contract.

3. Application Documents for Issuance and Reissuance of Transport Permits for Official Vehicles Include:

a) Application for issuance and reissuance of the permit according to Model No. 02 in Appendix III of this Decree;

b) Copy of the Vehicle Registration Certificate;

c) Copy of the invitation letter from the Chinese partner specifying the route, border gate, and time of invitation (if the original is not in Vietnamese or English, it must be accompanied by a Vietnamese or English translation);

d) Copy of the dispatch decision from the competent authority.

4. Competent Authority for Issuing Permits:

a) Vietnam Highway Administration issues: Type E Transport Permit; Type F, G Transport Permits for the first time in a year (year counted from January 1 to December 31);

b) Transportation Departments of Lai Chau, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Lang Son, Quang Ninh provinces and Construction and Transportation Department of Lao Cai province issue: Type A, B, C Transport Permits; Type F, G Transport Permits for the second time in a year.

5. Procedures and Formalities for Issuance of Type A, B, C, E or F, G Transport Permits for the First Time in a Year:

a) Organizations, individuals, and business units submit one set of application documents to the competent authority issuing the permit. In cases where applications are received directly at the issuing authority or through postal services, the staff receiving the application updates the information of the applications in accordance with regulations into the online public service system of the issuing authority. If the application requires amendments or supplements, the issuing authority will notify the organization, individual, or business unit of the missing or required amendments within one working day from the date of receipt of the application;

b) Within two working days from the date of receipt of complete and valid application documents, the issuing authority will issue the permit according to Model Nos. 03, 04, 05, 07, 08, 09 in Appendix III of this Decree. If the permit is not issued, the issuing authority will notify in writing or through the online public service system and specify the reasons;

c) The results will be delivered at the office of the issuing authority or through postal services or online methods as prescribed;

After issuing Type F, G Transport Permits for the first time in a year, the Vietnam Highway Administration will notify the list of transport vehicles that have been issued permits to the Transportation Departments and Construction and Transportation Departments of the provinces mentioned in Clause 4 of this Article.

6. Procedures and Formalities for Issuance of Type F, G Transport Permits for the Second Time and Subsequent Times in a Year:

a) The driver or employee of the business unit that has been issued the permit for the first time presents the Vehicle Registration Certificate to the Transportation Departments and Construction and Transportation Departments of the provinces mentioned in Clause 4 of this Article;

b) Based on the list of transport vehicles that have been issued permits for the first time, the Transportation Departments and Construction and Transportation Departments of the provinces mentioned in Clause 4 of this Article will issue Type F, G Transport Permits for the second time and subsequent times in a year.

7. In case the Type A, B, C, E, F, G Transport Permits for Vietnamese vehicles expire, become damaged, or are lost, organizations and business units will prepare application documents for reissuance of the permits according to Clauses 2, 3, 5, and 6 of this Article.

Article 18. Introduction of Application for Issuance of International Road Transport Permit Type D between Vietnam and China for Vietnamese Vehicles

1. The International Road Transport Permit Type D shall be issued by the competent authority of China to Vietnamese vehicles. Prior to submitting the application to the Chinese side for permit issuance, the transport business entity shall follow the introduction procedures as stipulated in Clauses 2 and 4 of this Article.

2. Components of the application for introduction:

a) Application Form No. 10 in Appendix III of this Decree;

b) Over-dimensional, over-weight, or dangerous goods transport permit issued by the competent authority of Vietnam (copy).

3. Introduction Authority: Vietnam Highway Administration.

4. Procedures:

a) The transport business entity submits one set of application documents to the introduction authority. The introduction authority receives the documents and reviews them. In cases where the documents are submitted directly at the introduction authority or through postal service, the document reception staff updates the information of the documents according to regulations into the online public service system of the Vietnam Highway Administration. If the documents require amendments or supplements, the introduction authority will notify the transport business entity directly or in writing or through the online public service system about the incomplete or required modifications within one working day from the date of receipt of the documents;

b) Within two working days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents as prescribed, the Vietnam Highway Administration introduces the transport business entity to the competent authority on the Chinese side. In case of non-introduction, the authority will notify in writing or through the online public service system and specify the reasons;

c) The result delivery is carried out at the office of the introduction authority or through postal service or in accordance with the prescribed online form.

Article 19. Issuance of International Road Transport Permit Type D between Vietnam and China for Chinese Vehicles

1. The International Road Transport Permit Type D shall be issued by the competent authority of Vietnam to Chinese vehicles based on the Introduction Letter from the competent authority of the Chinese side.

2. Contents of the application documents:

a) Application for issuance of International Road Transport Permit Type D according to Form No. 11 in Appendix III of this Decree;

b) Introduction Letter from the competent authority of the Chinese side (copy accompanied by certified translation of documents and texts from Chinese to Vietnamese or English if the original does not contain bilingual Vietnamese and Chinese or Chinese and English versions);

c) Over-dimensional, over-weight, or dangerous goods transport permit issued by the competent authority of Vietnam (copy);

d) Over-dimensional, over-weight, or dangerous goods transport permit issued by the competent authority of China (certified copy accompanied by certified translation of documents and texts from Chinese to Vietnamese or English if the original does not contain bilingual Vietnamese and Chinese or Chinese and English versions);

đ) Safety and environmental protection technical inspection certificate (certified copy accompanied by certified translation of documents and texts from Chinese to Vietnamese or English if the original does not contain bilingual Vietnamese and Chinese or Chinese and English versions).

3. Competent Authority: The General Department of Transportation of Vietnam.

4. Procedures:

a) Organizations, individuals, or transport business entities submit one set of application documents to the competent authority issuing the permit. The competent authority issuing the permit receives the documents and reviews them. In cases where the documents are submitted directly at the competent authority issuing the permit or through postal service, the document reception staff updates the information of the documents according to regulations into the online public service system of the Vietnam Highway Administration. If the documents require amendments or supplements, the competent authority issuing the permit will notify the organizations, individuals, or transport business entities submitting the documents directly or in writing or through the online public service system about the incomplete or required modifications within one working day from the date of receipt of the documents;

b) Within two working days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents as prescribed, the competent authority issues the permit according to Form No. 06 in Appendix III of this Decree. In case of non-issuance, the competent authority issuing the permit will notify in writing or through the online public service system and specify the reasons;

c) The result delivery is carried out at the office of the competent authority issuing the permit or through postal service or in accordance with the prescribed online form.

Article 20. Revocation of International Road Transport Permit between Vietnam and China

1. The competent authority issuing the permit shall revoke the International Road Transport Permit between Vietnam and China when there is a violation of any of the following cases:

a) Not complying with the contents recorded in the permit when conducting transport activities between Vietnam and China;

b) The business transport permit or the International Road Transport Permit between Vietnam and China being revoked by the competent authority;

c) The vehicle exceeding the time limit for re-entry into Vietnam as prescribed, except in cases of natural disasters, accidents, or force majeure.

2. Procedures and formalities:

a) The issuing authority issues a decision to revoke the International Road Transport Permit between Vietnam and China and sends it to the transport business unit, state management agencies at border gates, and relevant agencies; publishes the information on the issuing authority's electronic information website and simultaneously notifies in writing the competent authority in China for coordination in handling;

b) After the revocation decision takes effect, the transport business unit must stop cross-border transport activities for the vehicles whose permits have been revoked and within 15 working days must submit the International Road Transport Permit between Vietnam and China of those vehicles to the issuing authority.

Article 21. Extension of Time for Circulation in Vietnam for Vehicles from China

1. Object: Vehicles from China that exceed the circulation time in Vietnam specified in the International Road Transport Permit between Vietnam and China may be extended once for up to 10 days if there is a valid reason.

2. Authority to Extend: Department of Transportation, Construction Departments of provinces and centrally governed cities where the vehicles are circulating.

3. Documents Required:

a) Application for extension according to Model No. 12 of Appendix III of this Decree;

b) Original International Road Transport Permit between Vietnam and China.

4. Procedures:

a) Organizations and individuals directly submit one set of application documents to the competent authority where the vehicles are circulating;

b) Within two working days from the date of receiving complete and valid application documents, the competent authority shall extend the circulation time for vehicles from China. In case of non-extension, the competent authority shall reply in writing stating the reasons.

Article 22. Procedures for Registration, Suspension of Operation, Addition, or Replacement of Vehicles Operating Regular Passenger Transport Routes between Vietnam and China

1. Object of Registration for Operating Regular Passenger Transport Routes between Vietnam and China:

Transport business units meeting current regulations may register to operate regular passenger transport routes between Vietnam and China.

2. Components of the Application for Registration to Operate Regular Passenger Transport Routes between Vietnam and China:

a) Application for registration to operate regular passenger transport routes between Vietnam and China according to Model No. 13 of Appendix III of this Decree;

b) Copy of the Vehicle Registration Certificate or copy of the receipt for the Vehicle Registration Certificate issued by the registration authority or copy from the original Vehicle Registration Certificate. In case the vehicle does not belong to the transport business unit, additional presentation of one of the following documents is required: written lease agreement with organizations or individuals, service contract between members and cooperatives, or business cooperation contract;

c) Plan for operating regular passenger transport routes between Vietnam and China according to Model No. 14 of Appendix III of this Decree.

3. Route Management Authority:

a) Vietnam Highway Administration announces the operation of regular passenger transport routes between Vietnam and China for routes deep into the territories of both countries;

b) Departments of Transportation in Lai Chau, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Lang Son, Quang Ninh Provinces and Transportation and Construction Department of Lao Cai announce the operation of regular passenger transport routes between Vietnam and China for routes along the border areas of both countries.

4. Procedure for Registration to Operate Regular Passenger Transport Routes between Vietnam and China:

a) Transport business units submit one set of application documents through one of the following methods: direct submission, online, or postal service. Upon receipt and review of the documents, the reception staff updates the information of the applications correctly into the online public service system of the route management authority. If the documents require modification or supplementation, the route management authority will notify directly or in writing or through the online public service system about the incomplete or necessary modifications within one working day from the date of receipt of the documents;

b) Within two working days from the date of receiving complete and valid application documents, the route management authority shall issue a notification to operate regular passenger transport routes between Vietnam and China according to Model No. 15 of Appendix III of this Decree. In case of non-approval, the route management authority shall notify in writing or through the online public service system and specify the reasons;

c) The results are delivered at the headquarters of the route management authority or through postal service or online method as prescribed.

5. Supplementing or Replacing Vehicles Operating Regular Passenger Transport Routes between Vietnam and China:

a) Transport business units currently operating on the route have the right to supplement or replace vehicles;

b) Application for registration to supplement or replace vehicles according to Clause 2 of this Article. Application form according to Model No. 13 of Appendix III of this Decree;

c) Administrative procedures follow the provisions of Clause 4 of this Article.

6. Suspension of Route Operations, Suspension of Vehicle Operations on Regular Passenger Transport Routes between Vietnam and China:

a) Transport business units must notify the route management authority and the terminal station in Vietnam at least ten days before suspending operations and can only suspend operations after posting the notice at the terminal station in Vietnam for a minimum of ten days.

b) Within two working days from the date of receiving the request, the management agency shall publicly announce to allow other transport business units to register for exploitation.

7. The notification of exploitation of the route becomes invalid if the transport business unit does not put the means of transport into operation within sixty days from the effective date.

Chapter V

PROCEDURE FOR ISSUING, REISSUING AND REVOKING INTERNATIONAL ROAD TRANSPORT LICENSES BETWEEN VIETNAM AND LAOS AND THROUGH TRANSPORT LICENSES BETWEEN VIETNAM AND LAOS

Article 23. Issuing, Reissuing International Road Transport License between Vietnam and Laos

1. Object: The international road transport license between Vietnam and Laos is issued to Vietnamese transport business units that meet the provisions set forth in Article 19 of the Implementing Protocol of the Agreement on Facilitating the Cross-Border Movement of Motor Vehicles between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

2. Contents of the application documents:

a) Application for issuing or reissuing the international road transport license between Vietnam and Laos according to Model No. 01 in Appendix IV of this Decree;

b) Business plan for transport according to Model No. 02 in Appendix IV of this Decree.

3. Licensing authority: Vietnam Highway Administration, Department of Transportation, Department of Transportation and Construction of provinces and centrally-administered cities.

4. Procedures:

a) The transport business unit submits one set of application dossier for issuing or reissuing the international road transport license between Vietnam and Laos to one of the licensing authorities mentioned in Clause 3 of this Article through one of the following methods: direct submission, online submission, postal submission;

b) The licensing authority receives and checks the dossier. For dossiers submitted directly at the licensing authority or via postal service, the staff receiving the dossier updates the dossier information into the online public service system of the licensing authority. In case the dossier needs to be amended or supplemented, the licensing authority will notify the transport business unit directly or in writing or through the online public service system within one working day from the date of receipt of the dossier;

c) Within two working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid dossier as prescribed, the licensing authority issues the international road transport license between Vietnam and Laos according to Model No. 03 in Appendix IV of this Decree. If the license is not issued, it must be notified in writing or through the online public service system and specify the reasons;

d) The result is delivered at the office of the competent authority issuing the permit or via postal service or online method as prescribed.

5. In case the international road transport license between Vietnam and Laos is damaged or lost, the transport business unit prepares a dossier to apply for reissuing the license according to the provisions of Clauses 2 and 4 of this Article.

Article 24. Revoking the International Road Transport License between Vietnam and Laos

1. The licensing authority revokes the international road transport license between Vietnam and Laos when the transport business unit violates any of the following cases:

a) Operating the wrong type of transport as specified in the international road transport license between Vietnam and Laos;

b) The automobile transport business permit being revoked by the competent authority;

c) The state management agency at the border gate proposing revocation due to violations related to cross-border activities, import-export activities at the border gate, and regulations on managing activities in the border area;

d) Ceasing operations in accordance with the provisions of the law.

2. Procedures and formalities:

a) The licensing authority issues a decision to revoke the international road transport license between Vietnam and Laos and sends it to the transport business unit, state management agencies at border gates, and related agencies simultaneously, while publishing the information on the licensing authority’s electronic information website;

b) After the revocation decision takes effect, the transport business unit must cease all cross-border transport activities and within fifteen working days must submit to the licensing authority the following documents: the international road transport license between Vietnam and Laos, all through transport licenses between Vietnam and Laos that have been issued.

Article 25. Issuance and Reissuance of the International Road Transport Permit between Vietnam and Laos

1. Objectives:

The International Road Transport Permit between Vietnam and Laos shall be issued to vehicles of organizations and individuals that meet the conditions stipulated by the laws on road transport activities between Vietnam and Laos and the provisions of the Protocol implementing the Agreement on Facilitating the Cross-Border Movement of Motor Vehicles between Vietnam and Laos.

2. Application Documents for Issuance and Reissuance of Transport Permits for Commercial Vehicles Include:

a) An application for issuance or reissuance of the permit according to Model No. 04 in Appendix IV of this Decree;

b) Copy of the Vehicle Registration Certificate or copy of the receipt for the Vehicle Registration Certificate issued by the registration authority or copy from the original Vehicle Registration Certificate. In case the vehicle does not belong to the transport business unit, additional presentation of one of the following documents is required: written lease agreement with organizations or individuals, service contract between members and cooperatives, or business cooperation contract;

c) A copy of the notification of route operation, replacement vehicle document, or additional vehicle document from the route management authority and the passenger pick-up and drop-off contract at bus stations in Vietnam and bus stations or passenger pick-up and drop-off points in Laos (for vehicles operating fixed-route passenger transport services between Vietnam and Laos).

3. Documents required for the application for issuance or reissuance of the permit for non-commercial vehicles and vehicles serving projects or business activities of enterprises on Laotian territory:

a) An application for issuance or reissuance of the permit according to Model No. 05 in Appendix IV of this Decree;

b) A copy of the Vehicle Registration Certificate belonging to the organization or individual;

c) A copy of the dispatch decision from the competent authority (for official vehicles and vehicles of diplomatic agencies, international organizations on official missions);

d) A copy of the contract or documentation proving the enterprise or cooperative is undertaking projects, activities, or business operations on Laotian territory (for enterprises or cooperatives serving projects, activities, or business operations on Laotian territory).

4. Competent Authority for Issuing Permits:

a) The General Department of Vietnam Roads shall issue the International Road Transport Permit between Vietnam and Laos to vehicles of Party, National Assembly, Government, ministries, ministerial-level agencies, agencies under ministries, central-level political and social organizations, diplomatic agencies, representative offices of international organizations in Vietnam; other agencies, organizations, and individuals with such needs shall apply directly to the General Department of Vietnam Roads;

b) Provincial Departments of Transportation, Departments of Transportation and Construction of centrally governed cities shall issue the International Road Transport Permit between Vietnam and Laos to vehicles of agencies, organizations, individuals, and transportation businesses operating within their respective localities;

c) Local Departments of Transportation where border gates adjacent to Laos are located shall issue permits to non-commercial vehicles of organizations and individuals based in other provinces of Vietnam passing through border gates under their management.

5. Procedures and Formalities:

a) Organizations, individuals, and transportation businesses submit one set of documents to the competent authority issuing the permit. The competent authority receiving the documents will process them and check them. For applications submitted directly to the competent authority or via postal service, the staff receiving the documents will update the information into the online public service system of the competent authority. If the documents require amendments or supplements, the competent authority will notify the applicant directly, in writing, or through the online public service system within one working day from the date of receipt of the documents;

b) Within two working days from the date of receipt of complete and valid documents, the competent authority issuing the permit shall issue the International Road Transport Permit between Vietnam and Laos according to Model No. 06 in Appendix IV of this Decree. In case of refusal, the competent authority issuing the permit shall notify the applicant in writing or through the online public service system and specify the reasons;

c) The result delivery is carried out at the office of the competent authority issuing the permit or through postal service or in accordance with the prescribed online form.

6. When the International Road Transport Permit between Vietnam and Laos expires, becomes damaged, or is lost, organizations, individuals, and transportation businesses shall prepare an application for reissuance in accordance with Clauses 2, 3, and 5 of this Article.

Article 26. Revocation of the Combined Transport Permit between Vietnam and Laos

1. The issuing authority shall revoke the Combined Transport Permit between Vietnam and Laos when there is a violation of any of the following cases:

a) Not complying with the contents recorded in the combined transport permit when conducting combined transport activities between Vietnam and Laos;

b) The Business Operation Permit for Road Transport by Motor Vehicles or the International Road Transport Permit between Vietnam and Laos being revoked by the competent authority;

c) The vehicle exceeding the time limit for re-entry into Vietnam as prescribed, except in cases of natural disasters, accidents, or force majeure.

2. Procedures and formalities:

a) The issuing authority issues a decision to revoke the Combined Transport Permit between Vietnam and Laos and sends it to the organization, individual, business entity operating transport, management agencies at border gates, and related agencies, while publishing the information on the website of the issuing authority;

b) After the revocation decision takes effect, the business entity must cease cross-border transport operations for vehicles whose permits have been revoked and within 15 working days must return the Combined Transport Permit between Vietnam and Laos for those vehicles to the issuing authority.

Article 27. Extension of Stay Time in Vietnam for Lao Vehicles

1. Object: Lao vehicles exceeding the stay time specified in the combined transport permit due to force majeure may be extended once, not exceeding 10 days.

2. Authority to Extend: Provincial Department of Transportation and Construction where the vehicles encounter force majeure incidents.

3. Documents Required:

a) Application for extension according to Form No. 07 of Appendix IV of this Decree;

b) Combined Transport Permit between Vietnam and Laos (original).

4. Procedures:

a) Organizations and individuals submit one set of documents directly to the competent authority where the force majeure incident occurred;

b) Within two working days from receiving complete valid application files as prescribed, the competent authority shall extend the stay time in Vietnam for Lao vehicles. The competent authority shall implement the extension in writing or within the combined transport permit. In case of non-extension, the competent authority shall respond in writing stating the reasons.

Article 28. Procedures for Registration, Suspension of Exploitation, Supplement, Replacement, and Adjustment of Frequency of Passenger Transport Services on Fixed Routes between Vietnam and Laos

1. Object of registration for exploitation of fixed passenger transport routes between Vietnam and Laos: Business entities meeting current conditions may register to exploit fixed passenger transport routes between Vietnam and Laos.

2. Components of the application file for registration of fixed passenger transport routes between Vietnam and Laos:

a) Application for registration of fixed passenger transport routes between Vietnam and Laos according to Form No. 08 of Appendix IV of this Decree;

b) Copy of the Vehicle Registration Certificate or copy of the receipt for the Vehicle Registration Certificate issued by the registration authority or copy from the original Vehicle Registration Certificate. If the vehicle does not belong to the business entity, additional copies of one of the following documents must be presented: written lease agreement with organizations or individuals, service contract between members and cooperatives, or business cooperation contract;

c) Plan for exploitation of fixed passenger transport routes between Vietnam and Laos according to Form No. 09 of Appendix IV of this Decree.

3. Competent authority managing the route: Vietnam Directorate of Roads.

4. Procedures:

a) The business entity submits one set of application files to the competent authority through one of the following methods: directly, online, or postal service. For direct submissions, staff will update the information into the online public service system of the Vietnam Directorate of Roads. In case of required amendments or supplements, the competent authority will notify the business entity directly, in writing, or through the online public service system within one working day from the date of receipt of the application;

b) Within two working days from receiving complete valid application files as prescribed, the competent authority shall issue a notification of exploitation of fixed passenger transport routes between Vietnam and Laos according to Form No. 10 of Appendix IV of this Decree. In case of non-approval, the competent authority shall notify in writing or through the online public service system and state the reasons;

c) The result delivery shall be conducted at the competent authority's office or via postal service or online as prescribed.

5. The notification of exploitation of the route becomes invalid if the business entity does not put the vehicle into operation within 60 days from the effective date.

6. Fixed passenger transport routes between Vietnam and Laos must start and end on Vietnamese territory at bus stations from type 1 to type 4 or bus station type 5 located in poor districts as defined by the Government.

7. Vehicles operating fixed passenger transport routes between Vietnam and Laos must have transportation orders. Transportation orders are issued for each trip (round trip if the trip spans multiple days) or daily (if multiple trips occur in a day). Transportation orders are issued by the business entity according to Form No. 11 of Appendix IV of this Decree and must be numbered sequentially by year for management purposes.

8. Supplementing or replacing vehicles operating fixed passenger transport routes

a) Operating entities on the route have the right to supplement or replace vehicles;

b) Application file for supplementing or replacing vehicles according to Clause 2 of this Article. Application form according to Form No. 08 of Appendix IV of this Decree;

c) Procedures and formalities as stipulated in Clause 4 of this Article.

9. Suspension of exploitation of the route, cessation of vehicle operations on fixed passenger transport routes between Vietnam and Laos

a) When there is a need to suspend exploitation of the route or cease vehicle operations on the route, the business entity must notify in writing according to Form No. 12 of Appendix IV of this Decree to the competent authority and the terminal at the Vietnamese end of the route, and return the exploitation notification and combined transport permit of the ceased vehicles to the competent authority.

The business entity can only cease exploitation of the route or cease vehicle operations on the route after posting a notice at the terminal at the Vietnamese end of the route for a minimum of ten days.

b) Within no more than two working days from the date of receiving the request, the competent authority shall notify the cessation of operation on the route according to Model No. 13 in Appendix IV of this Decree and publicly announce it for other transport business units to register for operation.

10. Adjustment of Frequency of Vehicle Runs on the Route

a) At least ten days before adjusting the frequency of vehicle runs on the route, the transport business unit must notify in writing according to Model No. 14 in Appendix IV of this Decree to the competent authority and the terminal at the Vietnamese end of the route.

b) Within no more than two working days from the date of receiving the written request, the competent authority shall notify the adjustment of the frequency of vehicle runs on the route according to Model No. 15 in Appendix IV of this Decree.

Chapter VI

PROCEDURE FOR ISSUANCE, REISSUANCE, AND REVOCATION OF INTERNATIONAL ROAD TRANSPORT LICENSES BETWEEN VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA

Article 29. Issuance and Reissuance of International Road Transport Licenses between Vietnam and Cambodia

1. Object: The international road transport license between Vietnam and Cambodia is issued to Vietnamese transport business units.

2. Contents of the application documents:

a) A request for issuance or reissuance of the international road transport license between Vietnam and Cambodia according to Model No. 01 in Appendix V of this Decree;

b) A business plan for transport operations according to Model No. 02 in Appendix V of this Decree.

3. Competent Authority: The General Department of Transportation of Vietnam.

4. Procedures:

a) The transport business unit submits one set of application documents for issuance or reissuance of the international road transport license between Vietnam and Cambodia to the competent licensing authority through one of the following methods: direct submission, online submission, or postal service;

b) The licensing authority receives and reviews the application documents. In cases where the documents are submitted directly to the licensing authority or via postal service, the staff receiving the documents will update the information of the applications into the online public service system of the Vietnam Highway Administration as prescribed. If the documents require amendments or supplements, the licensing authority will notify the transport business unit directly, in writing, or through the online public service system within one working day from the date of receipt of the documents;

c) Within no more than two working days from the date of receiving complete and valid application documents, the licensing authority shall issue the international road transport license between Vietnam and Cambodia according to Model No. 03 in Appendix V of this Decree. In case of non-issuance, the licensing authority shall notify in writing or through the online public service system and specify the reasons;

d) The result is delivered at the office of the competent authority issuing the permit or via postal service or online method as prescribed.

5. When the international road transport license between Vietnam and Cambodia is damaged or lost, the transport business unit shall prepare an application for reissuance of the license according to the provisions of Clause 2 and Clause 4 of this Article.

Article 30. Revocation of International Road Transport Licenses between Vietnam and Cambodia

1. The issuing authority shall revoke the international road transport license between Vietnam and Cambodia when the transport business unit violates any of the following circumstances:

a) Operating a type of transport not in accordance with the international road transport license between Vietnam and Cambodia;

b) The automobile transport business permit being revoked by the competent authority;

c) The state management agency at the border gate proposing revocation due to violations related to cross-border activities, import-export activities at the border gate, and regulations on managing activities in the border area;

d) Ceasing operations in accordance with the provisions of the law.

2. Procedures and formalities:

a) The issuing authority issues a decision to revoke the international road transport license between Vietnam and Cambodia and sends it to the transport business unit, state management agencies at border gates, and related agencies; publishes the information on the electronic website of the issuing authority and simultaneously notifies the competent authority of Cambodia for coordination in handling;

b) After the revocation decision takes effect, the transport business unit must cease cross-border transport activities and within fifteen working days must submit the following documents to the issuing authority: the international road transport license between Vietnam and Cambodia; all intermodal transport licenses between Vietnam and Cambodia that have been issued.

Article 31. Issuance and Reissuance of International Transport Permit between Vietnam and Cambodia

1. Object: The international transport permit between Vietnam and Cambodia shall be issued to vehicles of organizations, individuals, and business units operating road transportation that meet the conditions stipulated by the laws on road transport activities between Vietnam and Cambodia.

2. Documents for application for issuance and reissuance of the permit for commercial vehicles include:

a) Application form for issuance and reissuance of the permit according to Form No. 04 in Appendix V of this Decree;

b) Copy of the Vehicle Registration Certificate or copy of the receipt for the Vehicle Registration Certificate issued by the registration authority or copy from the original Vehicle Registration Certificate. In case the vehicle does not belong to the transport business unit, additional presentation of one of the following documents is required: written lease agreement with organizations or individuals, service contract between members and cooperatives, or business cooperation contract;

c) Copy of the route exploitation announcement, vehicle replacement document, or vehicle supplementation document from the route management authority, and passenger pick-up and drop-off contracts at bus stations in Vietnam and bus stations or passenger pick-up/drop-off points in Cambodia (for fixed-route passenger transport vehicles between Vietnam and Cambodia).

3. Documents for application for issuance and reissuance of the permit for non-commercial vehicles include:

a) Application form for issuance and reissuance of the permit according to Form No. 05 in Appendix V of this Decree;

b) Copy of the Vehicle Registration Certificate or copy of the appointment letter for the Vehicle Registration Certificate from the registration authority or copy from the original Vehicle Registration Certificate. In case the vehicle does not belong to the organization or individual, they must also provide a copy of the vehicle rental contract;

c) Copy of the dispatch decision from the competent authority for official vehicles.

The General Department of Transportation of Vietnam shall issue permits to the following vehicles:

a) Commercial vehicles;

b) Non-commercial vehicles of central agencies of the Party, National Assembly, and Government; ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies under the Government, agencies under ministries, diplomatic agencies, governmental organizations, political-social organizations, mass organizations, and central public institutions.

5. Departments of Transport of provinces and centrally-administered cities shall issue international transport permits to non-commercial vehicles of agencies, organizations, and individuals based in their localities.

6. Departments of Transport of localities where border gates adjacent to Cambodia are located shall issue international transport permits to non-commercial vehicles of organizations and individuals based in other provinces of Vietnam passing through border gates managed by such localities.

7. Procedures and formalities:

a) Organizations, individuals, and transport business units submit one set of documents to the competent authority issuing the permit. The competent authority receiving the documents will accept them and check them. If the documents are submitted directly to the competent authority or via postal service, the document reception staff will update the information of the documents in accordance with regulations into the online public service system of the competent authority issuing the permit. If the documents need to be amended or supplemented, the competent authority issuing the permit will notify the organization, individual, or transport business unit directly or in writing or through the online public service system within one working day from the date of receipt of the documents;

b) Within two working days from the date of receipt of complete and valid documents, the competent authority issuing the permit shall issue the permit according to Form No. 06 (for commercial vehicles) and Form No. 07 (for non-commercial vehicles) in Appendix V of this Decree. If the permit is not issued, the competent authority issuing the permit shall notify in writing or through the online public service system and specify the reasons;

c) The result delivery is carried out at the office of the competent authority issuing the permit or through postal service or in accordance with the prescribed online form.

8. In cases where the international transport permit between Vietnam and Cambodia has expired, been damaged, or lost, organizations, individuals, and transport business units shall prepare documents to apply for reissuance of the permit in accordance with Clause 2, Clause 3, and Clause 7 of this Article.

Article 32. Revocation of the International Combined Transport Permit between Vietnam and Cambodia

1. The issuing authority shall revoke the International Combined Transport Permit between Vietnam and Cambodia when there is a violation of any of the following cases:

a) Not complying with the contents recorded in the International Combined Transport Permit when conducting international combined transport activities between Vietnam and Cambodia;

b) Not conducting international combined transport activities between Vietnam and Cambodia for a period of three months from the date of issuance of the International Combined Transport Permit;

c) Not conducting international combined transport activities between Vietnam and Cambodia for three trips or more within a continuous six-month period (a trip includes both the outbound and return journeys);

d) The Business Operation Permit for Road Transport by Motor Vehicles or the International Road Transport Permit between Vietnam and Cambodia being revoked by the competent authority;

đ) The vehicle exceeding the time limit for re-entry into Vietnam as prescribed, except in cases of natural disasters, accidents, or force majeure;

2. Procedures and formalities:

a) The issuing authority issues a decision to revoke the International Combined Transport Permit between Vietnam and Cambodia and sends it to the transport business unit, state management agencies at border gates, and related agencies simultaneously posting the information on the issuing authority’s website;

b) After the revocation decision takes effect, the transport business unit must stop cross-border transport operations for vehicles whose permits have been revoked and must submit the International Combined Transport Permit between Vietnam and Cambodia for those vehicles to the issuing authority within fifteen working days.

Article 33. Extension of Stay Time in Vietnam for Cambodian Vehicles

1. Object: Cambodian vehicles exceeding the stay time in Vietnam specified in the International Combined Transport Permit due to force majeure may be extended, with each extension not exceeding ten days.

2. Authority to Extend: Provincial Department of Transportation and Construction where the vehicles encounter force majeure incidents.

3. Documents Required:

a) A request for extension according to Form No. 08 of Appendix V of this Decree;

b) The International Combined Transport Permit between Vietnam and Cambodia (original copy).

4. Procedures:

a) Organizations and individuals directly submit one set of application documents to the extension authority where the force majeure occurred;

b) Within two working days from the date of receiving complete and valid application documents, the competent authority shall extend the stay time for Cambodian vehicles. The competent authority shall implement the extension in writing or within the International Combined Transport Permit. In case of non-extension, the competent authority shall respond in writing stating the reasons.

Article 34. Procedures for Registration, Suspension of Operations, Addition, or Replacement of Vehicles for Fixed Route Passenger Transport Services between Vietnam and Cambodia

1. Object of registration for fixed route passenger transport services between Vietnam and Cambodia:

Transport business units meeting current conditions may register for fixed route passenger transport services between Vietnam and Cambodia.

2. Application Documents for Registration of Fixed Route Passenger Transport Services between Vietnam and Cambodia:

a) An application for registration of fixed route passenger transport services by motor vehicles between Vietnam and Cambodia according to Form No. 09 of Appendix V of this Decree;

b) Copy of the Vehicle Registration Certificate or copy of the receipt for the Vehicle Registration Certificate issued by the registration authority or copy from the original Vehicle Registration Certificate. In case the vehicle does not belong to the transport business unit, additional presentation of one of the following documents is required: written lease agreement with organizations or individuals, service contract between members and cooperatives, or business cooperation contract;

c) The operation plan for fixed route passenger transport services by motor vehicles between Vietnam and Cambodia according to Form No. 10 of Appendix V of this Decree.

3. Competent authority managing the route: Vietnam Directorate of Roads.

4. Procedure and Formalities for Registration of Fixed Route Passenger Transport Services between Vietnam and Cambodia:

a) The transport business unit submits one set of application documents through one of the following methods: direct submission, online submission, or postal service to the competent authority. Upon receipt and review of the documents, the reception officer updates the information of the applications correctly into the online public service system of the General Department of Transportation of Vietnam. If the documents require modification or supplementation, the competent authority will notify the organization or individual submitting the documents directly, in writing, or through the online public service system about the incomplete or required modifications within one working day from the date of receipt of the documents;

b) Within two working days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents, the route management agency shall notify the registration of fixed route passenger transport services between Vietnam and Cambodia according to Form No. 11 of Appendix V of this Decree. In case of non-approval, the route management agency shall notify in writing or through the online public service system and specify the reasons;

c) The result delivery shall be conducted at the competent authority's office or via postal service or online as prescribed.

5. The notification of exploitation of the route becomes invalid if the business entity does not put the vehicle into operation within 60 days from the effective date.

6. Fixed route passenger transport services by motor vehicles between Vietnam and Cambodia must start and end (on Vietnamese territory) at bus stations from type 01 to type 04 or bus stations of type 05 located in poor districts as defined by the Government.

7. Vehicles operating fixed route passenger transport services by motor vehicles between Vietnam and Cambodia must have a dispatch order. The dispatch order is issued for each round trip (for trips conducted over multiple days) or daily (for multiple trips conducted in a day). The dispatch order is self-printed by the transport business unit according to Form No. 12 of Appendix V of this Decree. The dispatch order must be numbered sequentially by year for management purposes.

8. Supplementing or replacing vehicles operating fixed passenger transport routes

a) Operating entities on the route have the right to supplement or replace vehicles;

b) Application documents for adding or replacing vehicles as stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article. The application form according to Form No. 09 of Appendix V of this Decree;

c) Administrative procedures follow the provisions of Clause 4 of this Article.

9. Suspension of operations, adjustment of frequency of runs on fixed route passenger transport services by motor vehicles between Vietnam and Cambodia:

a) Transport business units currently operating on fixed route passenger transport services by motor vehicles between Vietnam and Cambodia, if they no longer need to operate on the route or cease operations, must notify in writing according to Form No. 13 of Appendix V of this Decree to the competent authority, the departure bus station in Vietnam, and return the route operation notification and the International Combined Transport Permit of the vehicles ceasing operations on the route to the General Department of Transportation of Vietnam;

Transport business units are only allowed to cease operations after notifying the departure bus station in Vietnam at least ten days in advance;

b) At the latest two working days from the date of receiving the request, the competent authority shall issue a written notice of suspension of operations according to Form No. 14 of Appendix V of this Decree and publicly announce it so that other transport business units can register for operations.

10. Adjustment of Frequency of Vehicle Runs on the Route

a) At least 10 days before adjusting the frequency of runs on the route, the transport business unit must notify in writing according to Model No. 15 in Appendix V of this Decree to the competent authority and the terminal at the Vietnamese end of the route.

b) Within the latest two working days from the date of receipt of the request letter, the competent authority issues a notification letter to adjust the frequency of vehicle runs on the route according to Model No. 16 in Appendix V of this Decree.

Chapter VII

PROCEDURE FOR ISSUING, REISSUING, AND REVOKING THE CROSS-BORDER TRANSPORT LICENSE BETWEEN VIETNAM, LAOS, AND CAMBODIA

Article 35. Issuing, Reissuing Cross-Border Transport License Between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia

1. Object: The cross-border transport license between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia shall be issued to vehicles of organizations, individuals, and transport business units that meet the conditions stipulated by the laws on road transport activities between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

2. Documents for commercial vehicles:

a) Application for issuance or reissuance of the license according to Model No. 01 in Appendix VI of this Decree;

b) Copy of the Vehicle Registration Certificate or copy of the receipt for the Vehicle Registration Certificate issued by the registration authority or copy from the original Vehicle Registration Certificate. In case the vehicle does not belong to the transport business unit, additional presentation of one of the following documents is required: written lease agreement with organizations or individuals, service contract between members and cooperatives, or business cooperation contract;

c) A copy of the notice on operating the route, the replacement vehicle notice, or the additional vehicle notice from the route management agency, and the passenger pick-up and drop-off contract at the bus station in Vietnam and the bus station or passenger pick-up and drop-off location in Laos or Cambodia (for commercial vehicles operating fixed-route passenger transport services between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia).

3. Documents for non-commercial vehicles:

a) Application for issuance or reissuance of the license according to Model No. 02 in Appendix VI of this Decree;

b) Certificate of vehicle registration (a certified copy or a copy accompanied by the original for verification). In case the vehicle does not belong to the organization or individual, it must be accompanied by a document proving the lawful right to use the vehicle (a certified copy or a copy accompanied by the original for verification);

c) For enterprises implementing projects or conducting business operations in Laos or Cambodia, they must attach a contract or a document proving that the enterprise is carrying out projects or business operations in Laos or Cambodia (a certified copy).

4. The General Department of Roads of Vietnam shall issue licenses for the following types of vehicles:

a) Commercial vehicles including contractual passenger transport vehicles, tourist passenger transport vehicles, and cargo transport vehicles;

b) Non-commercial vehicles of organizations and individuals who request issuance at the General Department of Roads of Vietnam.

5. Provincial Departments of Transportation, Departments of Transportation and Construction of centrally governed cities shall issue the cross-border transport license between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia for fixed-route passenger transport vehicles and non-commercial vehicles of organizations and individuals registered in their localities.

6. Local Departments of Transportation where there are border gates adjacent to Laos and Cambodia according to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on Road Transport shall issue licenses for non-commercial vehicles of organizations and individuals registered in other provinces of Vietnam passing through their local border gates.

7. Procedures and formalities:

a) Organizations, individuals, and transport business units submit one set of documents to the competent authority issuing the license in one of the following forms: directly, online, or via postal service. The competent authority receiving the license application accepts the documents and checks them. For applications submitted directly to the competent authority issuing the license or via postal service, the staff receiving the documents updates the information of the applications accurately according to regulations into the online public service system of the competent authority issuing the license. If the documents need to be amended or supplemented, the competent authority issuing the license will notify directly or in writing or through the online public service system about the incomplete or required amendments to the organizations, individuals, and transport business units within one working day from the date of receipt of the documents;

b) Within the latest two working days from the date of receipt of complete and valid documents as prescribed, the competent authority shall issue the cross-border transport license between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia according to Model No. 03 (for commercial vehicles) or Model No. 04 (for non-commercial vehicles) in Appendix VI of this Decree. In case of refusal to issue, the competent authority issuing the license shall notify in writing or through the online public service system and specify the reasons;

c) The result delivery is carried out at the office of the competent authority issuing the permit or through postal service or in accordance with the prescribed online form.

8. In case the cross-border transport license between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia is damaged or lost, organizations, individuals, and transport business units shall prepare an application for reissuance according to the provisions of Clause 2, Clause 3, and Clause 7 of this Article.

Article 36. Revocation of the International Combined Transport Permit between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia

1. The issuing authority shall revoke the International Combined Transport Permit between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia when there is a violation of any of the following cases:

a) Not complying with the contents recorded in the International Combined Transport Permit between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia;

b) Not conducting cross-border transportation activities between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia for a period of three months from the date of issuance of the permit;

c) Not conducting cross-border transportation activities between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia for three trips or more within a continuous six-month period (a trip includes both the outbound and return journeys);

d) Vehicles exceeding the prescribed re-entry time limit into Vietnam, except in cases of natural disasters, epidemics, accidents, or force majeure;

đ) The business operation permit for road transport by motor vehicles or the international road transport permit between Vietnam and Laos or the international road transport permit between Vietnam and Cambodia being revoked by the competent authority.

2. Procedures and formalities:

a) The issuing authority shall issue a decision to revoke the International Combined Transport Permit between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia and send it to organizations, individuals, transport businesses, state management agencies at border gates, and relevant agencies, while publishing the information on the electronic information website of the issuing authority;

b) After the revocation decision takes effect, the transport business must cease cross-border transportation activities for the vehicles whose permits have been revoked and submit the International Combined Transport Permit between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia for those vehicles to the issuing authority within fifteen working days.

Article 37. Extension of Stay Time in Vietnam for Vehicles from Laos and Cambodia

1. Object: Vehicles from Laos and Cambodia that exceed the stay time specified in the international combined transport permit due to force majeure may be extended once for a period not exceeding ten days.

2. Authority to Extend: Provincial Department of Transportation and Construction where the vehicles encounter force majeure incidents.

3. Documents Required:

a) An application for extension according to Model No. 05 of Appendix VI of this Decree;

b) The International Combined Transport Permit between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia (original).

4. Procedures:

a) Organizations and individuals directly submit one set of application documents to the extension authority where the force majeure occurred;

b) Within two working days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents as prescribed, the competent authority shall extend the stay time for vehicles from Laos and Cambodia. The competent authority shall implement the extension in writing or within the international combined transport permit. In case of non-extension, the competent authority shall respond in writing stating the reasons.

Article 38. Procedures for Registration, Suspension, Addition, or Replacement of Vehicles Operating Fixed Passenger Routes between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia

1. Objectives for registering fixed passenger routes between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia:

Transport businesses meeting current regulations may register to operate fixed passenger routes between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

2. Components of the registration dossier for fixed passenger routes between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia:

a) An application for registration to operate fixed passenger routes between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia according to Model No. 06 of Appendix VI of this Decree;

b) Copy of the Vehicle Registration Certificate or copy of the receipt for the Vehicle Registration Certificate issued by the registration authority or copy from the original Vehicle Registration Certificate. In case the vehicle does not belong to the transport business unit, additional presentation of one of the following documents is required: written lease agreement with organizations or individuals, service contract between members and cooperatives, or business cooperation contract;

c) A plan for operating fixed passenger routes between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia according to Model No. 07 of Appendix VI of this Decree;

d) A partnership contract between the Vietnamese transport business and partners from Laos and/or Cambodia (certified copy or original for verification).

3. Competent authorities managing the route: Departments of Transportation and Construction of provinces and centrally administered cities.

4. Procedures:

a) The business entity submits one set of application files to the competent authority through one of the following methods: directly, online, or postal service. For direct submissions, staff will update the information into the online public service system of the Vietnam Directorate of Roads. In case of required amendments or supplements, the competent authority will notify the business entity directly, in writing, or through the online public service system within one working day from the date of receipt of the application;

b) Within two working days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents as prescribed, the competent authority shall issue a notification of operating fixed passenger routes according to Model No. 08 of Appendix VI of this Decree and confirm the partnership contract of the transport business. If not granted, the competent authority shall notify in writing or through the online public service system and specify the reasons.

c) The result delivery shall be conducted at the competent authority's office or via postal service or online as prescribed.

5. The notification of exploitation of the route becomes invalid if the business entity does not put the vehicle into operation within 60 days from the effective date.

6. Fixed passenger routes between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia must start and end on Vietnamese territory at bus stations from type 1 to type 4 or type 5 bus stations located in poor districts as defined by the Government.

7. Vehicles operating fixed passenger routes between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia must have a dispatch order. The dispatch order is issued for each round trip (for trips spanning multiple days) or daily (for multiple trips in a day) according to Model No. 09 of Appendix VI of this Decree and must be numbered sequentially by year for management purposes.

8. Supplementing or replacing vehicles operating fixed passenger transport routes

a) Operating entities on the route have the right to supplement or replace vehicles;

b) Dossier for supplementing or replacing vehicles as stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article. Application for registration according to Model No. 06 of Appendix VI of this Decree;

c) Procedures and formalities as stipulated in Clause 4 of this Article.

9. Suspension of Operation of Fixed Passenger Routes between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia

a) When there is a need to suspend operations of the route or vehicles on the route, the transport business must notify in writing according to Model No. 10 of Appendix VI of this Decree to the competent authority, the departure bus station in Vietnam, and return the route operation notice, national identification marks, and international combined transport permits of the suspended vehicles to the competent authority;

The business entity can only cease exploitation of the route or cease vehicle operations on the route after posting a notice at the terminal at the Vietnamese end of the route for a minimum of ten days.

b) At the latest two working days from the date of receipt of the request, the competent authority shall notify the suspension of operations according to Model No. 11 of Appendix VI of this Decree and publicly announce it so that other transport businesses can register to operate the route.

10. Adjustment of Frequency of Vehicle Runs on the Route

a) At least ten days before adjusting the frequency of runs on the route, the transport business must notify in writing according to Model No. 12 of Appendix VI of this Decree to the competent authority and the departure bus station in Vietnam;

b) At the latest two working days from the date of receipt of the written request, the competent authority shall issue a notification of adjustment of the frequency of runs on the route according to Model No. 13 of Appendix VI of this Decree.

Chapter VIII

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 39. Ministry of Transport

1. Take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to implement the provisions of this Decree.

2. Direct the Vietnam Highway Corporation to develop software for managing cross-border road transport.

Article 40. Relevant ministries, ministerial-level agencies, provincial People's Committees under central cities

1. Relevant ministries, ministerial-level agencies, provincial People's Committees under central cities shall organize the implementation of this Decree according to their functions and tasks.

2. Provincial People's Committees under central cities shall direct specialized agencies at the provincial level to ensure connectivity and interoperability between the software for managing cross-border road transport and the online public service portal of the Vietnam Highway Corporation.

Article 41. Transport business units

Implement the provisions of this Decree and comply with inspection and supervision during the implementation of the provisions of this Decree and related laws.

Chapter IX

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 42. Effective Date

1. This Decree takes effect from February 15, 2022.

2. International road transport permits and combined transport permits issued before the date this Decree takes effect shall continue to be valid until their expiration date.

Article 43. Responsibility for Implementation

Ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, heads of government agencies, Chairpersons of provincial People's Committees under central cities, enterprises, organizations, and individuals related to this matter are responsible for implementing this Decree./.