In November 2015, the National Assembly of Vietnam issued a new Penal Code. This was scheduled to come into effect on July 1 2016, replacing the Penal Code of 1999. However, due to some inconsistencies and shortcomings in the law as drafted, its full implementation was put on hold until necessary amendments could be made. A revised version of the new Penal Code was subsequently issued in June 2017 and finally took effect this year on January 1.
