National Assembly delegates have called for stronger protection of cash-on-delivery funds under Vietnam's revised Postal Law. VnExpress reported the proposals on October 17; they are not newly effective obligations.
Science and Technology Minister Vu Hai Quan presented the draft, which recognises postal firms' collection of sales payments under customer agreements and relevant regulations.
Responsibilities towards sellers
Proposed Article 31 requires proper management, reconciliation and complete, accurate, timely remittance. The ministry describes COD as connected to delivery services even though it is not their defining core activity.
The draft distinguishes this collection service from payment and payment-intermediary activities regulated under banking law.
Delegate Nguyen Thi Viet Nga supports recognising responsibility but wants stronger preventive safeguards. For small sellers, money already paid by buyers may be essential working capital for materials and continuing operations.
Preventing misuse before disputes
Nga warned that insolvency or closure of a delivery company could make recovery difficult. She proposed separate tracking of COD money from operating funds and restrictions on use contrary to agreements or law.
Nguyen Ngoc Son similarly called for minimum management principles and clearer legal grounds for controlling risk in a potentially large flow of collected payments.
The recommendations focus on protection when the service is organised, rather than relying only on remedies after a dispute. The report does not establish an enacted universal refund deadline or a final specific-account requirement.
Plenary debate is expected on October 28, followed by a possible vote on November 13. Final safeguards remain subject to the legislative process.