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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 levels in Vietnam. In addition we have a look at registration, license permit requirements, customs procedures, and duties applied.

Vietnam does not require a business to experience a separate import or export license to get acquainted with import and export activities in the nation.

The most frequent entity for investors planning to embark on import and export activities, along with engage in domestic distribution of goods, is to establish a trading company. This is an inexpensive establishment option with no minimum capital contribution required.

However, in case an importer wish to sell imported products to Vietnamese consumers, they need to get the additional trading license have to be obtained to legalize the method. Generating a trading company takes approximately 90 days while acquiring a trading license can take one-three months.

n practice, firms that wish to import to Vietnam without setting up a local legal entity can utilize an importer of record to facilitate the process. This plan allows foreign firms that have time constraints, would like to test the market industry, or only import a couple of times to manage logistical, regulatory, and language barriers.

Certain goods do require companies to get permits in the government. Furthermore, 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 subject to the Vietnam customs clearance standards, which effectively confirm the quality, specifications, quantity, and level of the products. Among these, certain imported merchandise is at the mercy of inspection.

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

Customs documents needed in Vietnam

Companies which import or export goods must submit a dossier of documents, which includes no less than the company’s business registration certificate and import/export business code registration certificate towards the customs authorities. Depending on the imports or exports in question, authorities may request the subsequent additional documents:

Documents essential 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 could be completed on the same day while import shipments typically take around 1 to 3 days to accomplish for full container loads (FCL) and fewer than container loads (LCL), respectively.

Optimizing your customs experience

Vietnam’s customs procedures are complex and susceptible to change with virtually no warning. For up-to-date facts about clearance regulations, processing times, or trying to get the priority program, it’s advised to see with government officials or a professional service firm that can advice the business with any cumbersome procedures and legalities.

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