Wine Retail: Economic Sector Code 47230 Explained

The economic sector code for wine retail is 47230 — “Retail sale of beverages in specialized stores”. This is a level-5 code, provided in Appendix I issued with Decision 36/2025/QD-TTg on the Vietnam Standard Industrial Classification (effective from 15/11/2025).

1. Content of code 47230 under the Vietnam Standard Industrial Classification 2025

Under the Vietnam Standard Industrial Classification 2025, group 47230 “Retail sale of beverages in specialized stores” comprises: retail sale of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in specialized stores (not for immediate consumption at the store), including:

• Retail sale of alcoholic beverages: spirits, wine, beer (including wine and beer with low alcohol content or alcohol-free);
• Retail sale of non-alcoholic beverages: soft drinks, sweetened drinks, carbonated or non-carbonated; other bottled natural mineral water or purified water.

When registering a business, individuals/enterprises record code 47230 and may add detail: “Wine retail”.

Note: Decision 27/2018/QD-TTg has been replaced. Previously, economic sector codes were looked up under the Vietnam Standard Industrial Classification issued with Decision 27/2018/QD-TTg. That document has now been replaced by Decision 36/2025/QD-TTg on the Vietnam Standard Industrial Classification with a 5-level structure. When looking up or registering a sector code, consult the Vietnam Standard Industrial Classification 2025 to avoid using a code under an expired document.

2. Wine retail is a conditional business line

Alcohol trading in general and wine retail in particular are on the list of conditional business lines. In addition to registering code 47230, wine retail traders must satisfy the conditions and be granted an Alcohol Retail License under the law on alcohol trading before operating. Trading in alcohol without a license may be subject to administrative penalties.

3. Where to register a wine-retail household business?

Under Decree 168/2025/ND-CP on enterprise registration (effective from 01/7/2025, replacing Decree 01/2021/ND-CP), a household business registers at the commune-level Business Registration Office where its head office is located. From 01/7/2025, Vietnam implements a two-level local government (province/city and commune/ward), with no district level; therefore, household business registration at district-level agencies no longer exists.

Notes on applying current legal provisions

This article belongs to the Enterprise & M&A Knowledge group and is presented for reference, helping readers understand the legal issue at an overview level before preparing dossiers or conducting transactions.

Legal provisions may change depending on timing, locality, dossier type, and specific circumstances. Where it is necessary to determine the exact legal basis applicable to your dossier, please contact an ANT Legal lawyer at 0966.475.966 for review and advice before proceeding.

Common risks to note

• Looking up sector codes under the replaced Decision 27/2018/QD-TTg.
• Filing a household business registration dossier at the district-level agency (no longer existing since 01/7/2025).
• Retailing wine without an Alcohol Retail License.
• Signing, filing, or conducting transactions without fully assessing legal risks.

How can ANT Legal help?

ANT Legal assists in reviewing specific situations, checking dossiers, identifying the applicable legal basis, advising on handling plans, and representing you in working with individuals, organizations, or competent authorities when necessary.

For quick advice, you may contact a lawyer at 0966.475.966.

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