Vietnam Factory Data

EU Removes Vietnam from Its List of Non-Cooperative Tax Jurisdictions

11/10/2026
EU Removes Vietnam from Its List of Non-Cooperative Tax Jurisdictions

EU Removes Vietnam from Its List of Non-Cooperative Tax Jurisdictions: What It Means for Exporters

On October 9, 2026, the Council of the European Union (EU) decided to remove Vietnam from Annex I, the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes. Vietnam has been moved to Annex II, which covers jurisdictions that are cooperating with the EU but still have outstanding commitments to fulfill.

This development marks an important step in Vietnam's international tax cooperation and is particularly relevant to manufacturers, exporters, and businesses seeking to expand their presence in European markets.

1. What Has Changed in the EU Tax List?

According to the EU announcement dated October 9, 2026, Vietnam was removed from Annex I and transferred to Annex II following progress in addressing concerns raised during the EU's review process.

Vietnam had been added to the main list in February 2026. One of the issues considered was compliance with international standards for the exchange of tax information on request.

The latest decision recognizes progress in addressing these concerns. However, Vietnam remains subject to monitoring and still has commitments to fulfill.

For official information, businesses can consult the following sources:

2. Why Does This Decision Matter?

The EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes is designed to encourage tax transparency, international cooperation, and compliance with international tax governance standards.

Removing Vietnam from Annex I is a positive development in its cooperation with international tax authorities and its efforts to address outstanding concerns.

For the business community, transparency and effective international cooperation are important factors in cross-border investment, trade, and commercial transactions.

However, changes to the EU tax list should not be confused with trade preferences. This decision does not automatically reduce EU import duties on Vietnamese goods or exempt exporters from product regulations, origin requirements, certification obligations, or customs procedures.

3. Implications for Vietnamese Manufacturers and Exporters

For Businesses Exporting to Europe

The decision is a positive signal for Vietnam's international cooperation. Nevertheless, access to the EU market continues to depend on factors such as product quality, pricing, rules of origin, technical standards, and regulatory requirements for specific goods.

Exporters should continue to maintain accurate export documentation, origin records, and evidence of their manufacturing capabilities to meet the requirements of buyers and relevant authorities.

For Businesses Engaged in Cross-Border Transactions

Companies working with foreign investors, international partners, or related entities across borders should maintain complete and consistent tax filings, accounting records, and transaction documentation in accordance with applicable regulations.

Vietnam's transfer to Annex II does not mean that all transactions are exempt from review or that businesses automatically qualify for tax benefits.

For Manufacturers Seeking International Buyers

For factories and manufacturers looking to expand into European markets, monitoring international policy developments can help inform business planning and market-entry strategies.

However, international buyers continue to evaluate suppliers based on actual production capacity, product quality, delivery reliability, pricing, relevant certifications, and the credibility of company information.

4. What Should Businesses Do Next?

Vietnamese manufacturers and exporters can take several practical steps to strengthen their readiness for international trade:

  • Review target-market requirements: Stay informed about import regulations, taxes, product standards, and market-specific compliance obligations.
  • Standardize company information: Maintain accurate legal details, factory addresses, product catalogs, and production-capacity information.
  • Prepare supporting documentation: Keep relevant certifications, quality records, and origin documents organized and up to date.
  • Strengthen tax and transaction compliance: Ensure that tax filings, accounting records, and cross-border transaction documents are consistent and compliant with applicable rules.
  • Improve international business profiles: Present clear company information, factory photographs, machinery details, product specifications, and verifiable evidence of production capabilities.
  • Build relationships with international buyers: Proactively connect with importers, distributors, and manufacturing partners in suitable target markets.

These measures can support long-term business development regardless of future changes to international tax lists or policies.

5. Conclusion

The EU's decision on October 9, 2026, to remove Vietnam from Annex I of its list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes is a noteworthy development in international tax cooperation.

Vietnam's transfer to Annex II reflects progress in addressing the EU's concerns. However, it does not mean that all outstanding commitments have been completed or that international tax obligations no longer apply.

For Vietnamese manufacturers and exporters, the priority remains strengthening transparency, complying with applicable regulations, maintaining reliable business documentation, and meeting the specific requirements of each target market.

Tim Nha San Xuat continues to provide updates on manufacturing, import and export activities, and the business environment to help companies access useful information, identify potential partners, and explore international market opportunities.

Sources: European Commission and Council of the European Union, announcement dated October 9, 2026.