Legal framework for dark warehouses in logistics digital transformation: Current status, legal gaps, and recommendations for improvement

Amid the rapid development of e-commerce and logistics digital transformation, the dark warehouse model is emerging as a new trend through the application of automation, artificial intelligence, and data governance. Vietnam’s current legal framework regulates warehousing primarily as a traditional logistics support service, whereas a dark warehouse constitutes a digital logistics infrastructure model integrating warehousing, automation technologies, artificial intelligence, and data governance. Consequently, several emerging legal issues, including the legal status of automated systems, liability for algorithmic errors, warehouse data governance, cybersecurity, and technical standards for unmanned warehouses, have not been adequately addressed. This study analyzes the theoretical foundations of dark warehouses, evaluates the current warehousing market and legal framework in Vietnam, and identifies the principal legal gaps. Based on this analysis, the study proposes a system of solutions for improving the legal framework toward integrated digital logistics, thereby contributing to enhanced national competitiveness in the context of international economic integration.