Logistics is the lifeblood of trade, and 2026 brings notable legal changes to the sector: from oversized cargo transport on inland waterways, administrative penalties in the maritime sector, to a port infrastructure fee waiver in Ho Chi Minh City. This article updates the new legal instruments that logistics businesses, traders and cargo owners need to know.
1. Decree 123/2026: transport of oversized and overweight cargo on inland waterways
Decree 123/2026/ND-CP (effective 01/7/2026) regulates the transport of oversized and overweight cargo on inland waterways. Key points for businesses:
- Definitions and criteria for identifying oversized and overweight cargo;
- Authority to approve transport plans for this special cargo category;
- Responsibilities of carriers and cargo owners during transport.
Businesses transporting equipment or components exceeding normal size and weight standards must prepare a transport plan and obtain approval before execution.
2. Decree 80/2026: administrative penalties in the maritime sector
Decree 80/2026/ND-CP (issued 19/3/2026, effective 15/5/2026) provides for administrative penalties in the maritime sector. Notable organizational change:
- Maritime administration has moved from the “Ministry of Transport” to the “Ministry of Construction”;
- The specialized agency is the Vietnam Maritime and Inland Waterway Administration.
Businesses should update agency names in dossiers and procedures — do not cite the old names “Ministry of Transport” or “Vietnam Maritime Administration” as the current authorities.
3. 100% waiver of HCMC seaport infrastructure fees for 3 years
Resolution 12/2026/NQ-HDND of the Ho Chi Minh City People Council (effective 01/7/2026 – 30/6/2029) provides a 100% waiver of fees for using infrastructure, service works and public utilities in seaport border-gate areas in Ho Chi Minh City. This is direct support for businesses, helping to:
- Reduce logistics costs for goods through HCMC seaports over 3 years;
- Improve the competitiveness of the HCMC port cluster in the region.
Businesses trading through HCMC ports should review their cost structures to reflect the waived fees.
4. Amended Customs Law: not yet in force
Law 11/2026/QH16 amending the Customs Law was passed on 23/8/2026 but takes effect only from 01/3/2027. As of this writing, customs procedures continue to apply the current Customs Law and guiding instruments in force. Businesses must note the “not yet in force” status when citing Law 11/2026/QH16 to avoid misapplication.
5. What does not exist — avoid misunderstanding
- No new “Logistics Law” or comprehensive new logistics policy has been issued — claims about a new logistics statute are unfounded;
- The draft amended Maritime Code is only at the draft stage — it must not be presented as an adopted instrument.
Frequently asked questions
Which authority administers maritime affairs now?
The Ministry of Construction, through the Vietnam Maritime and Inland Waterway Administration (under Decree 80/2026/ND-CP, effective 15/5/2026).
Until when are HCMC seaport infrastructure fees waived?
100% waiver for 3 years, from 01/7/2026 to 30/6/2029, under Resolution 12/2026/NQ-HDND of Ho Chi Minh City.
Is the amended Customs Law in force?
Not yet. Law 11/2026/QH16 takes effect from 01/3/2027.
What is needed to transport oversized cargo on inland waterways?
A transport plan approved by the competent authority under Decree 123/2026/ND-CP (effective 01/7/2026).
Sources
- Decree 123/2026/ND-CP (effective 01/7/2026) — transport of oversized and overweight cargo on inland waterways;
- Decree 80/2026/ND-CP (19/3/2026, effective 15/5/2026) — administrative penalties in the maritime sector;
- Resolution 12/2026/NQ-HDND of Ho Chi Minh City (effective 01/7/2026 – 30/6/2029) — seaport infrastructure fee waiver;
- Law 11/2026/QH16 (passed 23/8/2026, effective 01/3/2027) — amending the Customs Law.
Conclusion
2026 brings many legal updates for logistics and seaports: Decree 123/2026 on oversized inland waterway cargo transport; Decree 80/2026 on maritime penalties with the new administering authority being the Ministry of Construction; and a 100% waiver of HCMC seaport infrastructure fees for 3 years under Resolution 12/2026. Meanwhile, the amended Customs Law (Law 11/2026/QH16) is not yet in force (01/3/2027). Businesses should update agency names, track the in-force status of each instrument, and not rely on claims about a “Logistics Law” or an adopted amended Maritime Code — neither exists.
Does your logistics business need to review compliance with the new rules? Contact FLAT Law Firm for advice.
For reference only; not legal advice. This content was prepared by AI and will undergo quality review by the AI Legal Council of FLAT Law Firm before any publication consideration; it is not the legal opinion of a licensed human lawyer. Laws and regulations may change; verify the current legal texts before applying them.
