Circular No. 19/2025/TT-BCT on the retention period for records and documents in the Industry and Trade sector

Circular No. 19/2025/TT-BCT stipulates the retention period for records and documents in the Industry and Trade sector. This Circular applies to agencies, units within the Industry and Trade sector and related organizations and individuals. The retention period is divided into permanent and limited terms, depending on the group of records and documents.

Document No.19/2025/TT-BCT
Document typeCircular
Issuing authorityMinistry of Industry and Trade
Signed byPhan Thị Thắng — Thứ trưởng
Updated22/06/2026
FieldUncategorized
Issued date16/04/2025
Effective date01/07/2025
Expiry date
StatusIn effect
✦ Smart summary

Circular No. 19/2025/TT-BCT stipulates the retention period for records and documents in the Industry and Trade sector. This Circular applies to agencies, units within the Industry and Trade sector and related organizations and individuals. The retention period is divided into permanent and limited terms, depending on the group of records and documents.

Scope of application

Agencies and units in the Industry and Trade sector; Related agencies, organizations, and individuals.

Key points

  • Agencies and units in the Industry and Trade sector → apply the retention period for records and documents according to this Circular, including both general and specialized groups of records and documents.
  • Group 1. General records and documents of the Industry and Trade sector → are retained permanently or for a specific limited term.
  • Group 2. Records and documents in specialized fields of the Industry and Trade sector → are also retained permanently or for a specific limited term.
  • The retention period shall not be lower than that specified in the Appendix attached to this Circular.
  • Agencies and organizations not specified in this Circular apply the equivalent retention period for corresponding records and documents and relevant legal provisions.

🌐 Social impact of this document

  • Positive impact: Helps agencies and units in the Industry and Trade sector organize the management of records and documents scientifically, saving storage space.
  • Negative impact: May cause difficulties in retrieving information if the retention period is too short or too long.

❓ Frequently asked questions

What is the retention period for records and documents in the Industry and Trade sector?

This Circular stipulates the permanent and limited retention periods for general and specialized groups of records and documents in the Industry and Trade sector. Specific terms are detailed in the Appendix attached to this Circular.

Which agency is responsible for implementing this Circular?

The Director of the Office of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, heads of agencies and units within the Industry and Trade sector, and related individuals are responsible for implementing this Circular.

If records and documents are not specified in this Circular, what is the retention period?

Agencies and organizations determine the equivalent retention period for corresponding records and documents in this Circular and relevant legal provisions.

When does this Circular take effect?

This Circular takes effect from July 1, 2025.

Who will provide guidance and amend this Circular if there are issues?

Agencies, organizations, units, and individuals report to the Ministry of Industry and Trade for guidance, review, and appropriate amendments and supplements.

Full text

MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE

 

 

SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM

Independence - Freedom - Happiness

 

Number: 19/2025/TT-BCT

 

Hanoi, April 16 2025

 

CIRCULAR

Regulations on the retention period for files and documents in the Industry and Trade sector

         

Pursuant to Clause 5 of Article 15 of the Law on Archives dated June 21, 2024;

Pursuant to Decree No. 40/2025/NĐ-CP dated February 26, 2025, of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Industry and Trade;

At the proposal of the Director of the Ministry of Industry and Trade's Office;

The Minister of Industry and Trade issues this Circular stipulating the retention period for files and documents in the Industry and Trade sector.

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular stipulates the retention period for files and documents in the Industry and Trade sector.

Article 2. Applicability

1. Agencies and units within the Industry and Trade sector.

2. Relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals.

Article 3. Retention Period for Records and Documents

1. This Circular promulgates the Appendix containing the retention period for files and documents in the Industry and Trade sector, including permanent retention and limited-term retention, applicable to the following two categories of files and documents:

a. Category 1. General files and documents of the Industry and Trade sector;

b. Category 2. Files and documents of specialized fields in the Industry and Trade sector.

2. The implementation of the provisions on the retention period for files and documents set forth in this Circular shall be carried out according to the following principles:

a) The retention period for files and documents serves as the basis for determining the retention period for files and documents in the Industry and Trade sector;

b) The determination of the retention period for files and documents must not be lower than the retention period specified in the Appendix issued together with this Circular;

c) For files and documents generated in the activities of agencies and organizations not covered by this Circular, such agencies and organizations shall apply a retention period equivalent to that of corresponding files and documents in this Circular and other relevant laws to determine the retention period.

Article 4. Effective date

This Circular takes effect from July 1, 2025.

State-owned enterprises that have been assigned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to conduct offshore wind power project surveys before the effective date of this Circular shall continue to implement according to the assigned documents; any new matters arising after the effective date of this Circular shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions of this Circular.

1. The Director of the Ministry of Industry and Trade's Office, heads of agencies and units within the Industry and Trade sector, and related individuals are responsible for implementing this Circular.

2. During the implementation process, if there are any difficulties, agencies, organizations, units, and individuals are requested to report to the Ministry of Industry and Trade for guidance and consideration for appropriate amendments and supplements.

 

DEPUTY MINISTER

DEPUTY MINISTER

(Signed)

Phan Thi Thang

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