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Importing and exporting products can be a challenge for businesses in Vietnam. Vietnam Briefing outlines an over-all step-by-step guide for import and export procedures in Vietnam. We also have a look at registration, license permit requirements, customs procedures, and duties applied.

Vietnam doesn’t need a firm to have a separate import or export license to take part in import and export activities in the united states.

The most typical entity for investors seeking to participate in import and export activities, as well as embark on domestic distribution of goods, is placed a trading company. This is an inexpensive establishment option with no minimum capital contribution required.

However, in case an importer would like to sell imported products to Vietnamese consumers, they must get the additional trading license must be obtained to legalize the process. Establishing a trading company takes approximately 3 months while obtaining a trading license may take one to three months.

n practice, companies which want to import to Vietnam without generating a local legal entity can utilize an importer of record to facilitate the method. This plan allows foreign companies that have enough time constraints, would like to test the market industry, or only import a couple of times to cope with logistical, regulatory, and language barriers.

Certain goods do require companies to acquire permits from the government. Moreover, 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 look at the quality, specifications, quantity, and amount of the goods. Of these, certain imported items are subject to inspection.

As an example, 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 presentation.

Customs documents needed in Vietnam

Companies which import or export goods must submit a dossier of documents, which include a minimum of the company’s business registration certificate and import/export business code registration certificate to the customs authorities. Depending on the imports or exports showcased, 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 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 could be completed on the same day while import shipments typically take around one-three days to accomplish for full container loads (FCL) and less than container loads (LCL), respectively.

Optimizing your customs experience

Vietnam’s customs procedures are complex and be subject to change with little to no warning. For up-to-date info on clearance regulations, processing times, or applying for the priority program, it is advised to see with government officials or a professional service firm that may move the business with any cumbersome procedures and legalities.

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