No, purchasing Everclear (190-proof ethanol) in Vietnam is illegal under Decree No. 105/2017/ND-CP, which classifies high-proof spirits as restricted goods. The Ministry of Public Security enforces these restrictions, and unauthorized possession or sale risks fines up to ₫200 million (≈$8,500) or criminal charges under the 2015 Penal Code. Recent 2026 draft amendments propose stricter penalties, including potential imprisonment for large-scale trafficking.
Key Regulations for Purchasing Everclear in Vietnam
- Licensing Requirement: Only licensed pharmaceutical or industrial entities may import Everclear under Ministry of Health or Ministry of Industry and Trade approval.
- Proof Limit: Spirits exceeding 50% ABV require special permits; Everclear’s 95% ABV violates this threshold.
- Local Enforcement: Provincial police units, per Circular 17/2023/TT-BCA, conduct random checks on ethanol stocks, with penalties escalating for unregistered high-proof alcohol.
Everclear’s sale to individuals is explicitly prohibited under Vietnam’s alcohol control framework, which prioritizes public health and industrial ethanol regulation. Travelers carrying it risk confiscation at customs or legal action.