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Importing and exporting products can be quite a challenge for businesses in Vietnam. Vietnam Briefing outlines a broad step-by-step guide for import and export procedures in Vietnam. In addition we look at registration, license permit requirements, customs procedures, and duties applied.

Vietnam doesn’t need a company to possess a separate import or export license to take part in import and export activities in the country.

The commonest entity for investors looking to embark on import and export activities, and also participate in domestic distribution of merchandise, is defined an investing company. It is deemed an inexpensive establishment option without having minimum capital contribution required.

However, in case an importer would like to sell imported products to Vietnamese consumers, they must obtain an additional trading license has to be obtained to legalize the process. Starting a trading company takes approximately ninety days while acquiring a trading license can take 1-3 months.

n practice, companies which need to import to Vietnam without setting up a local legal entity can utilize an importer of record to facilitate the method. This tactic allows foreign firms that have enough time constraints, would like to test the market industry, or only import once or twice to manage logistical, regulatory, and language barriers.

Certain goods require companies to have permits through the government. Additionally, petroleum oil is banned from exports while goods banned from imports include cigars, tobacco, petroleum oils, newspapers and journals, and aircraft.

Customs procedures

All goods imported or exported in Vietnam are be subject to the Vietnam customs clearance standards, which effectively look at the quality, specifications, quantity, and number of goods. Among these, certain imported items are subject to inspection.

For instance, imported pharmaceuticals must undergo testing and will include documents detailing product use, dosage, and expiration dates (written in Vietnamese), which should also be contained in or for the the labels.

Customs documents required in Vietnam

Businesses that import or export goods must submit a dossier of documents, which include no less than the company’s business registration certificate and import/export business code registration certificate towards the customs authorities. With regards to the imports or exports showcased, authorities may request the subsequent additional documents:

Documents necessary for importing goods include:

Bill of lading;

Import goods declaration form;

Import permit (for restricted goods);

Certificate of origin;

Cargo release order;

Commercial invoice;

Customs import declaration form;

Inspection report;

Packing list;

Delivery Order (for goods imported through seaports);

Technical standard/health certificate; and

Terminal handling receipts.

The documents required for exporting goods include:

Electronic Export Customs Declaration (E-Form HQ/2015/XK);

Bill of lading;

Contract;

Certificate of origin;

Commercial invoice;

Customs export declaration form;

Export Permit;

Packing list; and

Technical standard/health certificate.

Export shipments can be completed on the day that while import shipments typically take around 1 to 3 days to complete for full container loads (FCL) and fewer than container loads (LCL), respectively.

Optimizing your customs experience

Vietnam’s customs procedures are complex and be subject to change with hardly any warning. For up-to-date info on clearance regulations, processing times, or applying for the priority program, it really is advised to refer to with government officials or a professional service firm that could move the business with any cumbersome procedures and legalities.

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