TL;DR
Vietnam has issued Decree No. 342 to tighten online advertising rules, taking effect February 15, 2026. The rules limit pre-skip wait times, require immediate cancellation of static ads and introduce reporting and user-control requirements, while tightening rules for 11 product and service categories.
What happened
Vietnam announced Decree No. 342, an amendment to its national Advertising Law, set to take effect on February 15, 2026. The decree introduces stricter controls on online advertising intended to protect consumers and reduce illegal advertising. Among the user-experience changes, platforms must let viewers skip video and animated ads no later than five seconds after they begin; static ads must be cancellable immediately. Providers are also required to offer a clear, single-action way to close ads and are barred from using misleading or vague on-screen symbols intended to confuse viewers. The decree mandates visible markers and guidance so users can report ads that break the rules, and obliges platforms to give users options to turn off, deny, or stop seeing inappropriate ads. It also places tighter advertising limits on 11 categories of goods and services with environmental or health implications.
Why it matters
- Users could see fewer forced, unskippable ad interruptions and clearer controls to close or report ads.
- Platforms serving Vietnamese audiences will need to change ad UX and reporting interfaces to comply.
- Advertisers in regulated product groups will face stricter rules on how they can market goods and services.
- The decree aims to curb illegal advertising and increase consumer protections for health- and environment-related products.
Key facts
- The changes are set out in Decree No. 342, an amendment to Vietnam’s Advertising Law.
- The decree takes effect on February 15, 2026.
- Video and animated ads must allow skipping within no more than five seconds.
- Static ads must be cancellable immediately.
- Platforms must provide a clear, single-interaction method for users to close ads.
- Designs that use false or vague symbols to mislead viewers are prohibited.
- Online services must display visible symbols and guidance so users can report violating ads.
- Platforms must allow users to turn off, deny, or stop seeing inappropriate ads.
- The decree tightens advertising rules for 11 groups of goods and services tied to environment or human health, including cosmetics, food and beverages, child milk and formula, insecticidal chemicals, medical supplies and healthcare services, pesticides and veterinary drugs, fertilizers, plant seeds and saplings, pharmaceuticals, and alcoholic drinks.
What to watch next
- How major platforms will implement the five-second skip and one-click-close requirements — not confirmed in the source.
- Whether enforcement mechanisms, fines, or compliance timelines will be published by authorities — not confirmed in the source.
- The practical impact on ad formats, revenue models, and targeting for advertisers operating in Vietnam — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Decree: A formal legal instrument issued by a government body to implement or amend laws and regulations.
- Static ad: An advertisement consisting of a single image or frame that does not include motion or animation.
- Animated ad: An advertisement that includes motion, video, or changing visuals.
- Unskippable ad: An ad that users cannot immediately bypass or close, forcing them to view the full creative before proceeding.
Reader FAQ
When does the decree take effect?
The decree is scheduled to take effect on February 15, 2026.
What is the maximum wait time before a viewer can skip an ad?
The decree sets a cap of five seconds before viewers must be allowed to skip video and animated ads; static ads must be cancellable immediately.
Will global platforms like YouTube be required to change ad behavior in Vietnam?
Not confirmed in the source.
Which products and services face tighter advertising rules?
The decree targets 11 groups tied to environmental or human health impacts, including cosmetics; food and beverages; milk and formula for children; insecticidal chemicals; medical supplies and healthcare services; pesticides and veterinary drugs; fertilizers; plant seeds and saplings; pharmaceuticals; and alcoholic drinks.
AAA If things go our way, YouTube’s notorious unskippable ads might be a thing of the past come this February. As Phụ Nữ reports, Vietnam recently announced Decree No. 342,…
Sources
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