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

Vietnam does not need a firm to possess a separate import or export license to get acquainted with import and export activities in the country.

The most common entity for investors trying to participate in import and export activities, and also take part in domestic distribution of products, is placed an investing company. It is deemed an inexpensive establishment option without any minimum capital contribution required.

However, in the event an importer wish to sell imported products to Vietnamese consumers, they must get an additional trading license have to be obtained to legalize the method. Establishing a trading company takes approximately 3 months while obtaining a trading license can take one-three months.

n practice, companies which desire to import to Vietnam without starting a local legal entity can utilize an importer of record to facilitate the procedure. This tactic allows foreign firms that have time constraints, desire to test the marketplace, or only import a couple of times to deal with logistical, regulatory, and language barriers.

Certain goods do require companies to have permits from your 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 confirm the quality, specifications, quantity, and volume of items. Among these, certain imported goods are susceptible to inspection.

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

Customs documents necessary in Vietnam

Firms that import or export goods must submit a dossier of documents, which include at least the company’s business registration certificate and import/export business code registration certificate towards the customs authorities. Based on the imports or exports showcased, authorities may request the following additional documents:

Documents needed 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 necessary 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 may be completed on the same day while import shipments typically take around 1 to 3 days to complete for full container loads (FCL) and much less 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 facts about clearance regulations, processing times, or looking for the priority program, it really is advised to refer to with government officials or a professional service firm that can slowly move the business with any cumbersome procedures and legalities.

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