How Really does Debate Settlement System of WTO Work?

 How Really does Debate Settlement System of WTO Work?

The dispute settlement procedures used by the World Trade Organization (WTO) are based on the GATT 1947 dispute settlement rules, which have been in place for nearly 50 years. Finding a positive solution to the dispute is the fundamental goal of this dispute resolution method. Because Vietnam is a member of the World Trade Organization, it may use the WTO's dispute settlement mechanism in disputes with other WTO members.

The parties to a dispute at the World Trade Organization (WTO) will first hold consultations to come up with a mutually agreed-upon solution to the dispute (Consultation – the stage of mediation). Third parties, who are members with a significant interest and desire to participate in the dispute resolution process, may participate in each case if they feel they have a significant interest in the case and should be considered by the panel. On account of a fruitless request, a board of 3 to 5 individuals will be laid out and entrusted with looking at a specific issue in debate based on WTO rules refered to by the petitioner's country.

According to Article 12.3 of the DSU, the first thing a panel to review the complaint must do is establish a timetable for its proceedings. The contents of Article 12 and Annex 3 of the DSU are typically covered by the panel procedure, which allows for some flexibility to guarantee the quality of the report without delaying the proceedings. The parties can be more proactive in presenting evidence, bases, and arguments in their submitted documents by understanding the contents and deadlines of a timetable.

The panel will enter the internal discussion phase (deliberation) following the hearings to evaluate the assessment of relevant legal and practical issues in accordance with WTO regulations. The deliberation must be kept secret. The parties to the dispute were not present when these reports were written; rather, they were written based solely on the information that was provided and the remarks that were made earlier. Individual assessments of hearers introduced in a board report will exclude the names of speakers of such sentiments.

Within two weeks of the panel's conclusion of the mid-term review, the final report will be sent to the dispute parties. Regularly, every report of the board has extremely huge substance, to work with the investigation of audit by the redrafting body and to cite case regulation, the report should show the chapter by chapter list and sections which are discrete numbered in the request for the report. After the DSB adopts a panel report, the dispute resolution process will immediately proceed to the implementation stage if there is no appeal. The case will be reviewed at the appellate level if there is an appeal.

As a member of the World Trade Organization, Vietnam must be well-versed in the dispute resolution process and fully prepared for disputes with other WTO members in international trade disputes.

ANT Lawyers have Litigation and Dispute lawyers inHanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City that help clients dealing with dispute resolution and alternative dispute resolution in Vietnam.

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How Dispute Lawyers in Hanoi Could Help?

 How Dispute Lawyers in Hanoi Could Help?

ANT Lawyers – A law firm in Vietnam, could assist clients on dispute resolution matters throughout Vietnam.

We have dispute lawyers in Hanoi who are qualified and have experience helping clients resolve disputes in Vietnam.

We have represented clients in disputes involving a variety of industries, including disputes involving international trade, commercial transactions, partnership or shareholder agreements, property sales and purchases, real estate, intellectual property, banking and finance, and maritime matters.

We are able to provide our clients with appropriate and adaptable solutions to their problems thanks to our knowledge, experience, and comprehension of Vietnamese culture. Our dispute lawyers in Hanoi also help clients through the various stages of litigation at Vietnam's national or provincial courts, arbitration centers, and courts of appeal.

Our dispute attorneys in Hanoi are well-trained and certified internationally in the US and EU, and they have adapted their skills to Vietnamese cultures to assist clients in resolving conflicts without a formal proceeding in order to save money, time, and maintain the relationship between the disputed parties. If it is at all possible, we recommend alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation.

Our dispute resolution practice at ANT Lawyers helps our clients with the following:

Negotiation: reviewing relevant contracts and documents, advising possible courses of action and negotiating with relevant parties before initiating the legal proceeding.

Litigation and legal representation: representing clients before Vietnamese courts and other Vietnamese authorities.

Arbitration: advising on choice of arbitration, drafting arbitration clause, and representing clients for recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards.

Alternative proceedings: certain alternatives may be available for dispute resolution in Vietnam.

ANT Lawyers have litigation and dispute lawyers in Hanoi, that help clients dealing with dispute resolution and alternative dispute resolution in Vietnam.

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How to Resolve Disputes Settlement through Arbitration in Vietnam?

 How to Resolve Disputes Settlement through Arbitration in Vietnam?

Arbitration, mediation, negotiation, and litigation are all methods of dispute resolution. In order to resolve disputes, a litigation dispute law firm in Vietnam needs dispute lawyers who have the expertise and experience necessary to resolve complex cross-border, commercial, and civil disputes.

Most business agreements could include a provision stating that disputes must be resolved through arbitration in the current business environment. A valid written arbitration agreement, either as an arbitration clause in a contract or a separate agreement, is required for a dispute to be referred to arbitration. The arbitration clause is treated as independent if it is included in a contract, and the arbitration clause's validity is unaffected by contract modifications, extensions, or terminations. As long as the parties clearly state their intention to resolve any dispute through arbitration, Vietnamese law permits a written arbitration agreement to take any form. The residing court is required to drop the case if a dispute falls within the scope of a valid arbitration agreement and a party attempts to initiate court proceedings. Additionally, the arbitration organization authorized to resolve disputes without supplemental agreement is not required to be specified in an arbitration agreement. Even if there is a valid arbitration agreement, the Vietnamese Arbitration Law states that a dispute must also fall into one of three categories before it can be arbitrated:

(1) disputes arising from “commercial activities”;

(2) disputes where at least one party is engaged in commercial activities;

(3) other disputes where the law stipulates that arbitration is a permissible means of resolution.

The definition of the term "commercial activity" in category (1) can be found in Commercial Law No. “activity for profit-making purposes comprising the purchase and sale of goods, provision of services, investment, commercial enhancement, and other activities for profit-making purposes,” according to 36-2005-QH11 (31 December 2005). Noncommercial disputes, such as civil disputes, in which at least one party is engaged in commercial activities, frequently fall into the second category. However, disputes between consumers and providers of goods or services do not fall under this category. The law stipulates that the party may select arbitration or litigation in this instance. The dispute cannot be arbitrated without the consent of the consumer, even if the agreement includes a standard arbitration clause in the contract for the supply of goods or services. Legislators have complete discretion over whether or not to expand or maintain the categories of disputes that can be resolved through arbitration. A dispute arising from investment activities governed by the Law on Investment is an illustration of a dispute in category (3).

Due to the fact that many businesses would rather avoid the high costs of litigation, arbitration has grown in popularity.

Arbitration lawyers in Vietnam at ANT Lawyers - a Vietnam law firm with accreditation in national and international arbitration practice can assist in providing clients with legal advice and guidance throughout the process of resolving disputes. The intervention attorneys could likewise exhort the clients on different issues from decision of authority, decision of assertion rules, specially appointed or institutional discretion, spot of mediation, implementation of arbitral honor.

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Trade and Customs in Vietnam

 Navigating the modern environment of international business requires companies that engage in the exchange of goods and services across international borders to be ever vigilant in addressing customs and import controls laws, including those related to border and supply chain security. ANT Lawyers trade and customs practice works to ensure and optimize our clients’ cost- and time-efficient shipment of goods and services across borders, within the confines of the law.

Customs Lawyers in Vietnam

We represent clients who engage in such diverse fields as:

-Customs brokerage, express delivery, freight forwarding, logistics and sea and rail transportation

-Apparel, beverages, consumer electronics, cosmetics, food products, footwear, home furnishings, luxury goods and paper products.

Businesses often overlook the fundamental importance of accurate tariff classification and appraisement as sources of potential duty savings and necessary compliance for imported products. These are the “nuts and bolts” of any sophisticated customs and import controls practice, and our Customs lawyers in Vietnam are well versed in this complex body of law to maximize duty savings and minimize customs penalties.

ANT Lawyers, a law firm in Vietnam with customs lawyers in Vietnam always follow up customs cases and its development to update clients on regular basis.

Source: ANT Lawyers.vn

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How to Distinguish between Deposit and Advance Payment?

In commercial transactions, it is very common for one party to give the other party an amount of money before the contract being performed. Should this amount be considered as deposit or advance payment?

How to Distinguish between Deposit and Advance Payment

 Deposit is one of security measures for the performance of contract obligations. According to regulation of Civil Code 2015, deposit is an act whereby one party (hereinafter referred to as the depositor) gives to other party (hereinafter referred to as the depositary) a sum of money or precious metals, gemstones or other valuable things (hereinafter referred to as the deposited property) for a period of time as security for the entering into or performance of a contract.

Upon a contract being entered into or performed, any deposited property shall be returned to the depositor, or deducted from the amount of payment obligation. If the depositor refuses to enter into or perform the contract, the deposited property shall belong to the depositary. In case the depositary refuses to enter into or perform the contract, the depositary must return the deposited property and pay an amount equivalent to the value of the deposited property to the depositor, unless otherwise agreed.

It can be seen that the purpose of deposit is to ensure the entering into or performance of a contract. Due to the fact that its nature is a security measure for the performance of contract obligations, sanction is set in regulation of deposit in case one party refuses to perform the agreement.

In practice, the advance payment can be understood that the obligor pays the obligee a sum of money in advance and this amount is regarded as in-advance performance of a payment obligation. As the nature of the advance is not a security measure for the performance of contract obligations, there is no fine rising from the advance if one party refuses to perform the agreement. Further, when a contracting party gives to the other party a sum of money, which is not clearly identified by the parties as a deposit or an advance, such amount shall be considered an advance payment.

It is important to distinguish the difference between deposit and advance payment to avoid potential disputes in performance the contract or consult with dispute resolution lawyers in Vietnam at early stage of the dispute for proper actions.

ANT Lawyers, as a reliable law firm in Vietnam, we focus on providing possible solutions that best meet the needs of legal and business clients. We help customers achieve their goals while protecting their interests, minimizing risks, and complying with the law.

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How a Foreign Company Apply for Certificate of Origin in Vietnam?

 How a Foreign Company Apply for Certificate of Origin in Vietnam?

Vietnam has growing fast due to the opening policy of the government, and has been signing a number of free trade agreements with ASEAN, China, Korea, Japan, India, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Russia, Belarus… with effectiveness. The expecting Europe Vietnam Free Trade Agreement has been signed but not yet effective at this moment. Having said that, Vietnam has become a destination for foreign investors to set up factory and set up company in Vietnam to undertake manufacturing for export and enjoy tax preference because of Vietnam origin.

Certificate of Origin Law Firm in Vietnam

The applicant wishing to be granted the Certificate of Origin (“C/O”) needs to register the trader profile under Vietnam regulations before submitting the dossier applying for C/O.  There are steps to be followed at the State authorities to check the trader profile, its legal registration in Vietnam, manufacturing facilities that produce the goods which are subject of C/O. Further, additional information and proof will be required for verification at Vietnam State Authorities including the declaration of origin provided by manufacturer or supplier of originating materials or locally produced originating goods if such material is used in subsequent stage to produce another good, good manufacturing process. Not only checking the documents, the authority could undertake an inspection visit to the manufacturing facility of trader and request the applicant to submit evidence of customs declaration of materials imported and used in production of exported goods (if imported materials are used in the production process); a sale contract or VAT invoice of locally purchased materials (if locally purchased materials are used in the production process) and other documents as deemed necessary. If the documents, the process, and the conditions are met, the C/O will be issued.

In general, an originating good is a good which is originating in a country, group of countries, or territory where the last processing operation is performed and substantially transforms such good. To qualify for non-preferential goods, there will be required of:

1.“Change in tariff classification” (hereinafter referred to as CTC): means a change in two-digit, four-digit, or six-digit HS heading of a good as compared with the HS heading of non-originating materials (including imported materials and materials of undetermined origin) used for the production of such good.

2.“Local value content” (hereinafter referred to as LVC)

The applicant for C/O shall choose either direct formula or indirect formula at their own discretion to calculate LVC and apply the chosen formula throughout such financial year. The verification and identification of LVC criteria for exported goods of Vietnam shall be based on the aforesaid formula.

In order to calculate LVC according to the formula, value of materials and cost incurred in the production process of goods shall be determined as follows:

a) “Value of materials originating in a country, group of countries, or territory of production” is inclusive of CIF value of materials acquired or locally produced that are originating in a country, group of countries, or territory; direct labor cost, overhead cost, other costs and profits.

b) “Value of materials originating in a country, group of countries, or territory of production” is CIF value of materials imported that are originating in a country, group of countries, or territory; or the earliest ascertained price stated in the VAT invoices associated with materials of unidentifiable origin used for the production, processing of ultimate product.

c) “FOB” is the value stated in the export contract which is calculated as follows: “FOB = Ex-workshop price + other costs”.

-“Ex-workshop price” = Production cost + profit;

-“Production cost” = material cost + direct labor cost + overhead cost;

-“Material cost” covers expenses associated with purchase of materials, their cost of freight and insurance;

-“Direct labor cost” covers wages, bonuses and other welfare amounts related to the production process;

-“Overhead cost” covers: Overhead cost relates to production process (insurance for buildings, factory rents and hire-purchase cost, depreciation of buildings, repairs, taxes, collateral interests); hire-purchase cost and interests of factories and equipment; factory security; insurance (for factories and equipments used in the production process); expenses for essentials for production process (energy, electricity and other essentials to be used directly in the production process); research, development, design and workmanship; pressing molds, moulds, devices and amortization, maintenance and repairs of factories and equipment; patent royalties (in respect of patented machines or use of patented machines in production process or goods production licenses); testing of materials and goods; storage in factories; waste treatment; cost factors in calculating value of materials, such as port-related cost, good clearance and import duties on taxable components;

-“Other costs” are the costs incurred in placing the good in the ship or other means of transport for export including, but not limited to, domestic transport costs, storage and warehousing, port handling, brokerage fees, service charges and relevant costs incurred when loading goods onboard ships for export.

If the goods that do not qualify to be issued C/O in Vietnam, it can not be granted C/O.  Any violations of laws will be punished by the government.

It appears that many manufacturers are in the process to relocate significant manufacturing process to Vietnam to enjoy “Made-in-Vietnam”.

In the meantime, alarmingly, there are equal number of other manufactures whom wish to only transfer a small portion of manufacturing process to Vietnam i.e re-packaging, re-labeling which does not meed to qualifications above.

It is important that Vietnam authorities to alert and constantly monitor the C/O application process to ensure all responsible departments, officers to follow the rule as set by law to evaluate the C/O application documents, and proof given by trader, manufacturer carefully.

By doing that, Vietnam government will encourage the “real” transition of manufacturing from China to Vietnam, therefore increasing FDI, boosting the economy through encouraging manufacturing sectors.

By urging customs authority to investigate and punish violators, the Vietnam government is sending strong message to US that Vietnam is not standing to support unfair trade, and in the meantime take advantage of the situation to attract quality manufacturing projects into Vietnam. Therefore, more crackdowns are expected.

ANT Lawyers, as a law firm in Vietnam in international trade has been actively providing legal services through advisory to manufacturers on the C/O matters and assisting a number of investor to set up manufacturing company, review leasing contract at industrial zone as part of the process to transition manufacturing into Vietnam to seriously invest and do business taking advantage of origin, labour, opening policy of Vietnam government.

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7 basic steps to set up a business and comply with Vietnam laws

 7 basic steps to set up a business and comply with Vietnam laws

Vietnam’s economy is increasingly diversified in terms of business activities and business regulations are also constantly being improved and enhanced. Accordingly, foreign investors can freely choose the right type of business. Therefore, the set up company in Vietnam is always a matter of great interest to foreign investors whom find business opportunities in Vietnam.

The first step is to set up a business in Vietnam

To take this step, the investor first needs to determine the type of business to choose to establish and provide the business name and expected information. Accordingly, the composition of the enterprise establishment dossier will be prepared according to regulations and submitted at the Business Registration Office, the Department of Planning and Investment of the place where it is expected to be headquartered. After submitting a valid application, the enterprise will be granted an enterprise registration certificate and announced the registration contents on the National Business Registration Portal.

The second step is to publish the contents of business registration

After being granted an enterprise registration certificate, an enterprise must make a public announcement on the National Business Registration Portal.

In the third step, the enterprise conducts stamp engraving

Enterprises can request to make a seal from the seal making agent. Accordingly, the enterprise actively decides on the type, quantity, form and content of the seal and is solely responsible for the use of its legal entity seal.

Fourth step is that to open a bank account in Vietnam

Currently, businesses can choose a bank to open an account for their business, to open an account, the bank requires an application form issued by the bank, a seal sample, the company’s charter, and a certificate. Business registration and related documents are required by different bank.

The fifth step is to register the tax declaration form in Vietnam.

Accordingly, enterprises register for the use of e-invoices and notify the use of e-invoices to their tax authorities. Enterprises need to contact the invoice supplier to order the printing of value-added invoice books and must register self-printed invoices with tax authorities.

In the sixth step, the enterprise needs to conduct labor registration in Vietnam. Enterprises register with the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs to declare the use of labor. Within 30 days from the date of commencement of operation, the employer must register the employer to the Labor Department (according to the prescribed form). In addition, enterprises should note that the relationship between the employer and the employee is regulated by the Labor Code and specified in the labor contract.

Seventh step is to register for social insurance in Vietnam.

Enterprises register with the Social Insurance Agency to pay health insurance and social insurance for employees. Employers must fill in all information according to the form provided by social insurance, including: full name, date of birth, salary (recorded in labor contract), number of social insurance book (for employees who have been issued with a book), a certified copy of the company’s business registration certificate and a copy of each labor contract.

It can be seen that setting up a business requires businesses to carry out a lot of procedures and comply with many different regulations of tax, banking, labor, insurance… Therefore, besides learning about legal regulations and businesses can seek the support of professional consulting firm in Vietnam with expertise and experience in the field of business establishment to implement the process quickly and effectively.

Finding the right business partner in Vietnam is also important. We recommend doing research on the reputation of the company and individual shareholders, corporate or individual, gathering publicly available company information, and performing background checks on key personnel to find potential risks in cooperation. Working with a reliable partner can help achieve economic benefits, saving time and money in business.

ANT Lawyers, a law firm in Vietnam could offer service to establish company in Vietnam. We assist clients needing legal service in obtaining investment certificate, business registration certificate, or other  licensing procedures.

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