“Gold may be confiscated without a valid receipt.” Understand the story to avoid misunderstandings.

Starting February 9, 2026, Government Decree No. 340/2025/ND-CP on administrative penalties in the monetary and banking sector officially takes effect. One of the provisions attracting significant public attention is the regulation on confiscation of gold involved in administrative violations under certain circumstances. However, the widespread interpretation that “gold without an invoice carried on your person can be confiscated when you are on the street” is inaccurate and misleading.

The Root of the Misunderstanding About “Gold Without an Invoice Being Confiscated”

Recently, social media platforms and online forums have circulated claims that individuals wearing gold jewelry or carrying gold bars without accompanying invoices could have their gold confiscated. This information has caused public concern, with many fearing that their personal property could be seized.

In reality, no current legal document contains such a provision. Legal experts and official media analyses confirm that Decree 340/2025/ND-CP does not require citizens to carry invoices whenever they wear gold, nor does it authorize confiscation in such situations. These rumors stem from a misunderstanding of the decree’s provisions regarding confiscation of gold linked to unlicensed gold trading activities.

Actual Regulations on Gold Confiscation Under Decree 340/2025/ND-CP

Article 28 of Decree 340/2025/ND-CP sets out detailed penalties for violations related to gold bar trading and other gold-related business activities. Among the most serious violations is trading gold bars without a license issued by a competent authority. In such cases, offenders face heavy administrative fines along with additional sanctions, including confiscation of the gold involved in the violation.

Specifically, these sanctions apply to acts such as producing or trading gold bars without a license, exporting or importing raw gold or gold bars without proper authorization, or conducting other gold business activities without the required legal approval. These are classified as serious violations, subject to fines ranging from 300 million to 400 million Vietnamese dong, in addition to the possible confiscation of the gold related to the unlawful activity.

Who Is Actually Affected by Gold Confiscation Rules?

It is crucial to clarify that the targets of gold confiscation under Decree 340/2025/ND-CP are organizations, businesses, and individuals engaged in unlicensed gold production or trading activities. These may include small gold shops operating without proper permits, informal dealers conducting hand-to-hand gold transactions, or entities failing to meet legal licensing requirements.

By contrast, ordinary citizens who purchase gold from properly licensed shops, conduct lawful transactions, and keep valid invoices are not subject to confiscation under this decree. This point has been repeatedly emphasized by legal experts and official news sources to prevent unnecessary public anxiety.

Why Does the Government Introduce Gold Confiscation Measures?

The confiscation provisions stem from the government’s objective to tighten oversight of a gold market that has long been complex and difficult to manage. In the past, gold trading often took place through informal cash transactions, lacking transparency and enabling smuggling, tax evasion, and price manipulation.

By imposing stricter penalties, the government aims to curb unlicensed gold trading, promote transparency, and strengthen legal order in the financial sector. These measures also help protect legitimate businesses and consumers from unfair competition while contributing to broader financial stability and monetary security, especially during periods of strong gold price volatility.

Common Misconceptions That Need Clarification

One of the most widespread misconceptions is that anyone wearing gold without carrying an invoice could have their assets seized. Authorities have clarified that no such rule exists in Decree 340/2025/ND-CP. Law enforcement focuses on violations related to unlicensed gold business operations, not on individuals’ lawful ownership or use of gold jewelry.

Another misunderstanding suggests that cash payments or transactions not made via bank transfer automatically lead to confiscation. This is also incorrect. While some payment-related violations may result in fines, confiscation is only applied in cases involving illegal gold business activities, not routine personal purchases.

Advice for Consumers

To safeguard their rights, gold buyers should choose reputable, licensed gold shops that provide clear product origin information. Keeping invoices and transaction documents is advisable, especially for high-value purchases, as these documents can help resolve potential disputes or verify ownership in the future.

If doubts arise regarding product authenticity or origin, consumers should seek assistance from competent authorities rather than relying on informal online sellers.

The new regulations

The new regulations under Decree 340/2025/ND-CP are designed to tighten control over gold bar trading and related business activities in order to create a more transparent and stable market. Accordingly, only organizations or individuals engaged in illegal gold business activities may face penalties and confiscation of the gold involved in violations. The idea that citizens wearing gold without carrying invoices will have their assets confiscated is a misunderstanding and does not reflect current law.

Understanding the true nature of these regulations helps the public avoid unnecessary panic and prevents the spread of misinformation, while allowing individuals to confidently engage in lawful gold transactions in daily life.