Fines for a raft of administrative violations would be much heavier under a draft Law on Handling of Administrative Violations recently submitted to the Government for consideration.
Under the Ministry of Justice-drafted law, violators of forestry and land management regulations and those breaking monetary, banking, credit or securities rules would face a maximum fine of VND 2 billion. Smuggling and trade fraud acts would be fined up to VND 1 billion.
Violators in the planning and investment sector would pay a fine of VND 400 million. This fine level would also apply to violations in the pharmacy sector. Meanwhile, fines for those committing copyright-related and information and communications violations would rise to VND 250 and 200 million, respectively.
“These fines are four or five times higher than those stipulated in the current Ordinance on Handling of Administrative Violations. This is because the fines under the Ordinance are not strong enough and it is difficult to achieve the desired effects through these punishments,” said Minister of Justice Ha Hung Cuong.
“Fines will also be calculated with inflation taken into consideration. The Government will authorize specific bodies (to impose fines) and stipulate specific procedures for imposing fines on specific violators,” he said.
Violators might also have their business registration certificates revoked for one or two years. Besides, if committing serious violations, foreigners might be expelled from the country.
The draft law is scheduled to be passed by the National Assembly at its upcoming third session.-