Vietnam Industry Classification 2025 (Decision 36/2025) – Full Guide

1. Overview of the Vietnam Industry Classification 2025

The Vietnam Industry Classification 2025 is the official system for classifying economic sectors, industries, and business activities in Vietnam. It was issued under Decision No. 36/2025/QD-TTg by the Prime Minister and officially took effect on November 15, 2025. This decision fully replaces Decision No. 27/2018/QD-TTg and represents a significant update to reflect the actual development of Vietnam’s economy, digital transformation, international integration, and the emergence of new business models. Implementing this new system allows government agencies, enterprises, and statistical organizations to collect and manage economic data accurately and consistently.

This system applies across multiple areas, including state management, statistical analysis, business registration, national database development, market analysis, and policy planning. Its purpose is to ensure standardized industry and sector data that can be easily referenced, supporting efficient economic management, research, and governance.

2. Objectives and Significance of Decision 36/2025/QD-TTg

Decision No. 36/2025/QD-TTg aims to establish a unified sector and industry classification system, serving as the legal standard for all administrative management, statistical activities, and business registration processes. The system is used in national statistical activities to collect, aggregate, and analyze data on production and business activities conducted by organizations, enterprises, and households. Moreover, it is integrated into national and sectoral databases, enabling data sharing while minimizing duplication and inaccuracies.

For businesses, the new system ensures precise identification of economic activities, helping them comply with the law and reduce legal risks. Additionally, digital platforms such as ChatIIP incorporate this updated classification to automatically suggest appropriate industry codes, optimize business registration procedures, and support reporting and statistical analysis.

3. Principles and Criteria for Determining Economic Sectors

Under Decision 36/2025/QD-TTg, an economic sector is determined based on the nature of the activity conducted. The decision specifies three main criteria for classification. The first criterion is the production or service provision process; activities with similar processes are grouped into the same sector or industry. The second criterion concerns the input materials used, reflecting the technical characteristics and nature of the economic activity. The third criterion is the output products or services, including their characteristics, functionality, and intended use. Applying these criteria in priority order ensures accurate classification and prevents overlap between sectors.

4. Structure of the Vietnam Industry Classification 2025

The Vietnam Industry Classification 2025 is organized hierarchically into five levels, from the broadest to the most detailed. At the top level, the system divides the economy into twenty-two major sectors, each covering a primary field of economic activity. From level two to level four, sectors are further subdivided into groups and more specific categories, describing the economic activities in greater detail. Level five represents the most detailed category, which is typically used directly for business registration purposes.

This hierarchical structure facilitates both management and statistical purposes while helping businesses accurately determine the appropriate sectors for their operations. Selecting the correct level-five code is crucial when registering an enterprise, as it defines the legal scope of the business activity.

5. Key Updates Compared to the Previous System

Compared to the previous system under Decision No. 27/2018/QD-TTg, the 2025 classification system introduces several important updates. Some new major sectors were added to reflect the growing participation of international organizations and activities in Vietnam’s economy. Many industry groups were split or merged to better match actual business operations. Sectors related to technology, new services, digital economy, and modern business models are described in greater detail. These adjustments ensure that the system covers current and emerging economic activities while facilitating state management and enterprise compliance.

6. Application in Business Registration and ChatIIP

In practice, the Vietnam Industry Classification 2025 directly impacts the registration and adjustment of business activities for enterprises and business households. When registering a new business or adding additional activities, the entity must select the appropriate sector code from the official list provided in Decision 36/2025/QD-TTg. Choosing the correct code ensures timely approval of registration, compliance with business conditions, tax obligations, and legal operational scope.

Digital platforms such as ChatIIP integrate this updated classification, allowing users to automatically search for, select, and validate the appropriate industry codes. This significantly reduces errors, saves time, and ensures legal compliance. At the same time, government agencies can efficiently compile and analyze sectoral data, enhancing economic governance and planning.

7. Benefits of Applying the 2025 Industry Classification

The Vietnam Industry Classification 2025 offers multiple benefits. For state management agencies, it standardizes sectoral data, enabling accurate and timely statistical reporting, supporting policy development, and assisting in economic planning. For businesses, it ensures accurate sector identification, reduces legal risks, optimizes registration and reporting procedures, and facilitates compliance. Additionally, the system aligns with international standards, allowing for research, comparison, and economic integration. It also reflects modern and digital sectors, high-tech industries, and emerging economic activities.

8. Conclusion

The Vietnam Industry Classification 2025 under Decision No. 36/2025/QD-TTg represents a major advancement in economic management and development. The system serves not only statistical purposes but also forms the basis for business registration, sector management, and national database construction. Applying the new classification enables businesses and state agencies to operate more efficiently, accurately, and consistently. Digital platforms like ChatIIP play an essential role in supporting code lookup, sector selection, and streamlined registration, contributing to better management and economic development in the era of digital transformation.