HalalHub.vn · Quick news · 27 October 2026
(HalalHub.vn) – On 23 October 2026, the Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) and the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Agency of Foreign Trade held a workshop to help businesses use the Vietnam–UAE CEPA. The message emphasized was that tariff preferences do not guarantee easy customs clearance and that, for food, Halal certification recognized by the UAE is mandatory.
Key points from the Vietnam–UAE CEPA workshop. Graphic: HalalHub.vn, compiled from ITPC, HTV, VOH and Nhan Dan.
Substantial tariff preferences, but technical barriers remain strict
The Vietnam–UAE CEPA entered into force on 3 February 2026. According to information presented at the workshop, the UAE committed to immediately eliminating tariffs on 74.2% of tariff lines, rising to 89.2% after five years. HTV reported that bilateral Vietnam–UAE trade reached approximately USD 6.5 billion in 2025.
However, reports at the workshop noted that the UAE continues to apply technical barriers, quarantine measures and food safety regulations strictly, so a tariff reduction does not mean easy clearance. Halal is a typical example: Halal certification must be recognized by the UAE’s competent authorities before goods can circulate.
| 📌 KEY POINTS Tariffs: 74.2% of tariff lines fall to zero immediately and 89.2% after five years; a UAE-VN C/O is needed to claim preferences. Halal: certification must be issued by a UAE-recognized body registered with MoIAT. Preparation: organize product documentation, samples and supply plans before meeting importers. |
Support from ITPC
According to the reports, ITPC plans to facilitate business connections and help businesses attend specialized trade fairs in Dubai and Cairo. Businesses are advised to prepare product documentation, samples and supply plans carefully before meeting importers.
Product displays at the Vietnam Halal Tourism Conference in Khanh Hoa in July 2026. To benefit from CEPA preferences, displayed products need Halal certification recognized by the UAE market. Photo: HalalHub.vn archive.
| 🇻🇳 WHAT THIS MEANS FOR BUSINESSES Before calculating the tariff advantage, check Halal certification. Businesses should confirm that their certification body appears on the UAE’s MoIAT registered list, covers the relevant product scope and remains valid. Without this, a shipment may be rejected even if it benefits from tariff preferences. |
Glossary
ITPC: Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Centre.
CEPA: Vietnam–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
UAE-VN C/O: the certificate of origin used to claim CEPA tariff preferences.
MoIAT: the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, which manages the UAE Halal system.
Tariff line: a product classification code in an import tariff schedule.
References
Legal texts and official sources
MoIAT – Registered Halal Certification Bodies
Press and industry analysis (secondary sources, cited as published)
HTV (24 October 2026) – Ho Chi Minh City helps businesses use CEPA to expand export markets
VOH – Ho Chi Minh City helps businesses use CEPA to expand export markets
Nhan Dan – Expanding into Middle Eastern markets through the UAE gateway
Photo: Unsplash (Unsplash License). Graphic: HalalHub.vn.
HalalHub.vn · Published on 27 October 2026 · Legal information checked as of 27 October 2026; regulations may change. Consult official sources before making decisions.
| ℹ️ ABOUT HALALHUB.VN’S INDEPENDENCE HalalHub.vn is a platform for connections and information. HalalHub.vn is not a Halal certification body and does not issue Halal certificates. Halal certificates are issued by bodies recognized by the competent authority in the importing country (for example, BPJPH in Indonesia and bodies recognized by JAKIM in Malaysia). This article is for reference and does not replace legal advice. |
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