Vietnam: Lubricants are subject to environmental tax

Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance, in an Official Letter No. 1199/BTC-TCT issued on January 30, ruled that lubricant is subject to environmental tax. The letter was issued to provide guidance on the enforcement of Circular No. 152/2011/TT-BTC which was issued on November 11, 2011, regarding environmental protection taxes. An enterprise importing aircraft equipment or materials accompanied by separately packaged lubricants must declare and pay environmental protection taxes, the ministry said. In addition, taxable goods imported to “non-tariff areas” for consumption (not for re-export) shall be subject to the tax. (March 2, 2012)