In Vietnam, online medicine sales have been taking place for many years, where buyers only need to make a phone call or send a message to place an order, and the medicine will be delivered directly to their homes [1]. Based on this practice, the Law on Pharmacy 2016, as amended and supplemented in 2024 (the “Law on Pharmacy 2024”), officially permits pharmaceutical businesses to sell medicines online starting from July 1, 2025.

However, unlike ordinary consumer goods, pharmaceuticals are special products that directly affect human health and life. Therefore, the preservation and transportation of medicines are critical issues that must be addressed to minimize potential safety risks.

Retail sales of medicines online are only allowed for (i) non-prescription drugs and (ii) prescription drugs in cases of medical isolation due to group-A infectious diseases that have been declared as epidemics. Online sales of medicines may apply to both prescription and non-prescription drugs, except for those subject to special control.

In addition, to sell medicines online, pharmaceutical businesses must first meet the conditions and obtain a license for pharmaceutical business activities, just as in traditional business models. Subsequently, they must also [2]: (i) publish complete information regarding their Certificate of Eligibility for Pharmaceutical Business, the pharmacy practice certificate of the person in charge of professional expertise, and details of the approved medicines as prescribed by the Government; (ii) notify the competent authority, as prescribed by the Minister of Health, of their pharmaceutical business via e-commerce methods; (iii) provide online consultation and guidance on medicine usage for buyers and arrange delivery of medicines in accordance with regulations issued by the Minister of Health. For the online sale of medicines under the new Law on Pharmacy 2024 to be implemented safely, effectively, and sustainably, close coordination is required among state management agencies, pharmaceutical businesses, and delivery service providers.

Firstly, improve the legal framework for transporting medicines in e-commerce. The Ministry of Health needs to issue specific criteria for vehicles, equipment, packaging, and storage conditions during transportation.

Secondly, develop a specialized logistics system for pharmaceuticals. The government should introduce policies that encourage and support enterprises to invest in standard-compliant storage and transportation facilities for pharmaceuticals in e-commerce.

Thirdly, strengthen cooperation between pharmaceutical businesses and delivery service providers by: (i) establishing procedures for handover, sealing, and quality verification of medicines before delivery; (ii) integrating order management systems of pharmaceutical businesses with those of delivery service providers to ensure transparency and traceability; and (iii) classifying orders based on storage requirements to select appropriate transportation methods.