Announcement: Changes to the Decree on awarding titles in handicraft sector

Handicraft products are created by hand, embodying cultural identity and must be of high quality, unique and use traditional techniques and tools.

Bamboo and rattan craft

Handicrafts comprise of various forms such as sculpture, lacquer, paper flower making, ceramic decoration, embroidery, sewing, knitting…

To enhance the value chain of artisans in the handicraft sector, dedication and preservation of traditional cultural values are essential. The government issued Decree No. 123/2014/ND-CP on December 25, 2014, on awarding the titles "People's Artisan" and "Excellent Artisan" in the handicraft sector. However, on April 19, 2024, the government issued Decree No. 43/2024/ND-CP (brielfy called Decree 43) to replace Decree No. 123/2014/ND-CP that took effective from June 6, 2024. This new decree includes 5 chapters and 20 articles detailing criteria for awarding the titles "People's Artisan" and "Excellent Artisan".

Therefore, applications for the titles "People's Artisan" and "Excellent Artisan" that meet the requirements and were submitted to provincial Department of Industry and Trade before this decree comes into effect will continue being processed under the provisions of  the Decree No. 123/2014/ND-CP in the handicraft sector.

Reported by Thanh Tam from Division of Industry Management-Translated by Kim Tin