2026.04.22 Shopee Singapore Implements New Authenticity Proof Rules for Health Categories

Shopee Singapore Mandates Authenticity Proof for Health & Personal Care Listings

Effective April 27, 2026, Shopee Singapore has announced a significant policy update for cross-border sellers. New products listed in the Health & Personal Care, Medical Supplies, and other related categories will now require sellers to submit valid authenticity proof and pass a qualification review before they can be listed. The platform will also continuously monitor existing products, requiring sellers to conduct self-checks for compliance. This move aims to enhance transaction security, improve overall product quality, and bolster consumer trust on the marketplace. For sellers, this underscores the increasing importance of sourcing genuine products and maintaining proper documentation to operate successfully in regulated categories on Shopee.

Vietnamese Ride-Hailing Firm GSM Targets 2028 IPO

Pham Nhat Vuong, founder and chairman of Vingroup, revealed on April 22 that Green Smart Mobility (GSM), a Vietnamese ride-hailing company, is planning an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in the second half of 2028. The pre-IPO preparation work is scheduled to commence within the next two to three months. Pham Nhat Vuong currently holds a 95% stake in the company. This planned listing highlights the continued growth and maturation of Vietnam's tech and mobility sectors, potentially attracting further investment into the regional digital economy.

Vietnam Proposes New Regulations to Standardize Import-Export Commodity Classification

The Vietnamese Ministry of Finance has drafted a new circular, expected to be issued in June 2026 and take effect on September 1, 2026, targeting the "gray areas" in commodity classification by foreign trade enterprises. The regulation aims to shift the determination of HS codes from a vague, self-interpreted process to a systematic procedure based on clear legal rules and unified standards. This change is designed to address pain points like unpredictable tax liabilities and inefficient customs clearance. For businesses, this move promises enhanced regulatory transparency, helping them better control costs and mitigate risks, and is a key step in Vietnam's development of a digitalized, standardized trade supervision system.

Indonesia's 2025 E-commerce GMV Growth Slows but Maintains Regional Lead

In 2025, Indonesia's e-commerce Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) reached $57.7 billion, representing a year-on-year growth of only 2.2%. This pace is significantly slower than the over 47% growth seen in Thailand and Malaysia. According to Indonesia's Ministry of Trade, the slowdown does not indicate a decline in transactions by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), but is primarily attributed to platform strategy adjustments and a decrease in transaction volume on Shopee and TikTok Shop. Shopee maintained its leading position with a 54% market share. Despite the moderated growth, Indonesia remains Southeast Asia's largest digital economy, with consumer behavior accelerating its shift towards an omnichannel model.